Drug Development Services for Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) represents a significant challenge in the realm of autoimmune disorders, characterized by both joint inflammation and skin manifestations, including red patches, silvery scales, and plaques on the skin. As a preclinical contract service provider, Ace Therapeutics is committed to advancing drug development services tailored to this complex disease.

Introduction to Psoriatic Arthritis

Pathophysiology of PsA

PsA arises from a multifactorial interplay of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Key pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-23 (IL-23), and interleukin-17 (IL-17) are central to the disease's pathogenesis. These cytokines orchestrate the inflammatory response, leading to joint damage, enthesitis, and other manifestations. Research highlights that the activation of specific immune cells, including T cells and macrophages, plays a pivotal role in PsA. Elevated levels of these cytokines in synovial fluid contribute to tissue degradation and bone erosion, underscoring the urgent need for targeted therapies.

Genetic and Environmental Factors

The genetic predisposition to PsA is well-documented, with associations identified with MHC class I alleles and specific single nucleotide polymorphisms in cytokine receptors. Additionally, environmental triggers such as mechanical stress and metabolic factors like obesity exacerbate the inflammatory response, creating a complex clinical picture that demands innovative therapeutic approaches.

Fig. 1 Activation of immune cells and cytokine production in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis involves skin-joint crosstalk through the migration of immune cells and the influx of cytokines from the blood. (Neurath L, et al., 2024)

Comprehensive Drug Development Services for Psoriatic Arthritis

At Ace Therapeutics, we offer an extensive suite of drug development services specifically designed for PsA.

Cytokine Profiling and Biomarker Discovery

• Multiplex Cytokine Assays: We utilize Luminex xMAP technology for simultaneous quantification of multiple cytokines in biological samples. This technology allows for comprehensive profiling of the inflammatory milieu in PsA.
• Flow Cytometry: Advanced flow cytometric analysis is employed to characterize immune cell populations, including T cell subsets and myeloid cells, in both in vitro and in vivo models. This helps in understanding the immune landscape and identifying potential biomarkers for response to therapy.

High-Throughput Screening

Compound Libraries: We maintain extensive libraries of small molecules and biologics for high-throughput screening against specific targets implicated in PsA. This approach accelerates the identification of promising candidates for further development.

In Vitro and In Vivo Models

• Cell Culture Systems: We employ primary human synovial fibroblasts and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to investigate cytokine signaling pathways and immune cell interactions relevant to PsA. These models allow for high-throughput screening of drug candidates.
• Animal Models: Utilizing PsA models, such as the mannan-induced arthritis models, we assess the in vivo efficacy of therapeutic candidates. These models recapitulate key features of human PsA, enabling the evaluation of disease progression and therapeutic efficacy.

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics Services

• ADME Studies: Our comprehensive pharmacokinetic studies evaluate the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drug candidates. We employ LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) for precise quantification of drug concentrations in biological matrices.
• Efficacy Assessments: We offer a comprehensive range of pharmacodynamic studies designed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of your drug candidates in psoriasis. Our expertise allows us to measure the biological activity of these compounds on relevant disease endpoints, including cytokine levels, inflammatory markers, and epidermal thickness.
• Safety Assessments: Our preclinical safety assessments for psoriasis investigate potential adverse effects and provide a thorough understanding of the safety profile of new treatments.

Psoriatic arthritis poses significant challenges in drug development due to its complex pathophysiology and multifactorial nature. Ace Therapeutics is dedicated to providing customized solutions through our specialized drug development services. Our scientific expertise, innovative approaches, and advanced technologies position us as a leader partner in psoriasis research, ready to tackle the intricacies of PsA and contribute to the development of effective therapies. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your drug development journey.