Biologic in a pill

Can-Fite(pdf) have stated that they believe their new biologic medication CF101 will be effective in improving the symptoms of Crohn's sufferers.

Can-Fite reports that pre-clinical studies show that the A3 adenosine receptor, which is targeted by CF101, is over-expressed in bowel tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells derived from patients with Crohn's disease. These findings are in line with previous data showing the efficacy of CF101 as an anti-inflammatory agent in pre-clinical models of inflammatory bowel diseases.

The presence of this receptor on the surface of the affected cells of patients with Crohn’s disease strongly suggests that this patient population may benefit from CF101 which binds to the receptor and leads to apoptosis of the inflammatory cells. It should also be underlined that, similar to other indications under development, the drug exerts a differential effect on inflammatory normal cells.

All things being equal, if CF101 is as effective as infliximab (Remicade) and adalimumab (Humira), then being able to take it as a pill will offer a great benefit to patients compared to the injections required for the current biologics.

Crohn's comic

Artist Tom Humberstone has created an engaging personal account of the Crohn's experience in his comic Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Crohn's Disease. It's a great resource to explain the effects of Crohn's to family and friends, instead of the dry list of medical symptoms from most medical sites.