Treatment of ulcerative colitis in the cottontop tamarin using antibody to tumour necrosis factor alpha

Abstract

Background - The aetiology and pathophysiology of ulcerative colitis remains unclear; however, there is increasing recognition of the critical role of inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of this disease. Among these, tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) seems to play an important role. Aim - To study the effects of an engineered human monoclonal antibody to TNFα (CDP571) in the treatment of idiopathic ulcerative colitis in the cottontop tamarin. Methods - Six cottontop tamarins with confirmed ulcerative colitis received repeated doses of CDP571. Progression of disease was assessed by measuring both body weight and rectal biopsy pathology. Results - All animals showed a rapid improvement in clinical condition and rectal biopsy pathology that was maintained following completion of the therapy. Conclusion - These studies indicate the efficacy of selective antibody therapy to TNFα for the treatment of ulcerative colitis in a primate and suggest that similar therapy in humans could be of value.