Safety profile of autologous macrophage therapy for liver cirrhosis.

Therapies to reduce liver fibrosis and stimulate organ regeneration are urgently needed. We conducted a first-in-human, phase 1 dose-escalation trial of autologous macrophage therapy in nine adults with cirrhosis and a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score of 10-16 (ISRCTN 10368050). Groups of three participants received a single peripheral infusion of 10, 10 or up to 10 cells.

Tissue metabolite of type I collagen, C1M, and CRP predicts structural progression of rheumatoid arthritis.

Background: Biomarkers of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity typically measure inflammation or autoimmunity (e.g. CRP, RF).

Translational Biomarkers and Ex Vivo Models of Joint Tissues as a Tool for Drug Development in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and degenerative autoimmune joint disease that leads to disability, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality. Although several synthetic and biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are available, there is still a medical need for novel drugs that control disease progression. As only 10% of experimental drug candidates for treatment of RA that enter phase I trials are eventually registered by the Food and Drug Administration, there is an immediate need for translational tools to facilitate early decision-making in drug development.