Scripps Research Develops New Anti-Inflammatory Drug Class That Preserves Immune Function

Scripps Research scientists have developed ENDOtollins, a first-in-class drug compound that reduces harmful inflammation while preserving the body's ability to fight infections, according to research published in Nature Chemical Biology. The drug works by interrupting a molecular handshake between two proteins inside immune cells, addressing a long-standing challenge in autoimmune disease treatment. ENDOtollins could lead to more targeted therapies for lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile arthritis, conditions that collectively affect more than 15 million Americans. The breakthrough represents a potential solution to the problem of existing anti-inflammatory drugs that suppress the entire immune system.

Development of ENDOtollins as a Novel Anti-Inflammatory Drug Class

• ▪Scripps Research scientists developed a new class of drug compounds called ENDOtollins
• ▪ENDOtollins reduce harmful inflammation while leaving the body's ability to fight infections intact
• ▪The research on ENDOtollins was published in Nature Chemical Biology
• ▪Preserving immune function while reducing inflammation has been a long-sought goal in treating autoimmune diseases

Mechanism of Action and Preservation of Immune Function

• ▪ENDOtollins work by interrupting a molecular handshake between two proteins inside immune cells

Potential Applications for Autoimmune Disease Treatment

• ▪ENDOtollins could lead to more targeted treatments for lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile arthritis
• ▪Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile arthritis together affect more than 15 million Americans

Perspective of Scripps Research scientists

• ▪Existing anti-inflammatory drugs suppress the entire immune system, leaving patients vulnerable to infections
• ▪ENDOtollins represent a more targeted approach to treating autoimmune diseases than current therapies

Perspective of Autoimmune disease patients

• ▪ENDOtollins could improve quality of life for autoimmune disease patients by reducing treatment-related infection risks
• ▪Current autoimmune disease treatments force patients to choose between managing inflammation and maintaining infection resistance