Interleukin-1 receptor antagonists is a class of drugs commonly used to treat autoimmune diseases. It has limited application in treating osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, however, as it rapidly breaks down before reaching the joint space. Scientists have therefore attempted to modify by attaching a second protein called called elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) that clump together at normal body temperatures.

By experimenting with composition, molecular weight and concentration of various ELPs, researchers have come up with a modified Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist which, when tested on rats, has a 25-fold longer half-life in the joint than a similar soluble protein.

The results even suggest that the fusion protein might do better in an arthritic joint as the same inflammatory enzymes that destroy joint Collagen also remove ELP from the original drug protein, thereby restoring its activity.

"With this advance, we believe treatments could go from twice a week to perhaps twice a month, and that would be a huge clinical gain."

Read the full feature report from EurekAlert.