It’s a promising new approach.
Baricitinib (Olumiant), a drug commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, may offer a potential treatment for Sjögren’s disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes symptoms like dry mouth, dry eyes, fatigue, and joint or muscle pain. A recent study using lab mice showed that baricitinib can help alleviate these symptoms by suppressing immune signals that drive the disease. The drug works by targeting malfunctioning immune responses, specifically those related to the inflammatory chemical interferon gamma, which is known to interfere with saliva production in Sjögren’s.
Sjögren’s disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the glands that produce saliva and tears, leading to the hallmark symptoms of dryness in the mouth and eyes. This disorder is common, with about 4 million people in the United States affected, and it can also lead to other complications such as joint pain, rashes, and lung inflammation. Researchers believe that baricitinib, by inhibiting the action of interferon gamma, could be an effective way to reduce inflammation and improve gland function in people with this condition.
The study’s researchers, including Dr. Stefan Feske from NYU Grossman School of Medicine, focused on immune and salivary gland cells to better understand how the disease develops. They found that a defect in regulatory T cells causes an overproduction of interferon gamma, leading to dysfunction in the salivary glands. This discovery suggested that inhibiting the action of interferon gamma could help alleviate the symptoms of Sjögren’s disease.
In their mouse models, baricitinib was able to suppress this overactive immune response, improving saliva production and reducing inflammation. The researchers also looked at human blood samples from patients with Sjögren’s and found a strong genetic connection between the human condition and the mouse model. While these findings are promising, the researchers emphasize the need for clinical trials to confirm whether baricitinib or similar drugs can be used to treat Sjögren’s in humans effectively.
Overall, the study offers hope for new treatment options for Sjögren’s disease. Although more research is needed, the findings suggest that targeting the immune system’s overactivity with drugs like baricitinib could help manage the disease and improve the quality of life for those affected.
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