Chronic Autoimmune Disorder at Center of AMR Study

Four million Americans living with Sjögren’s syndrome deal with a range of symptoms — from dry eyes and mouth, joint pain and fatigue to heart and liver problems, and even an increased likelihood of developing B-cell lymphoma. Unfortunately, there isn’t a drug to treat the chronic autoimmune disorder. But a Wichita research center says a promising medication would make life much better for Sjögren’s syndrome sufferers.

The treatment being studied by the Alliance for Multispecialty Research has shown in early trials to reduce symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome and to be well tolerated by patients. “A study like this becomes increasingly important because we don’t have a viable treatment to help people,” said Dr. Terry Klein, a partner at AMR. “Right now we only have symptomatic treatments for Sjögren’s syndrome, but this is a biologic that has a unique effect that diminishes the B-cell count.”

Biologics are protein-based antibodies, and are by far the largest growing treatment option in the medical community for disorders and diseases. Klein said biologics are more specific to targeting disorders, and they are generally tolerated much better than chemical medications.

AMR is looking for candidates ages 18 and older who have been diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome. The study is in its third phase, meaning it has been tested widely with good results, and now thousands of participants nationwide will receive the treatment and report on side effects and outcomes. If the FDA approves this phase, the drug will be ready to go to market.

The study will be looking at the most effective dosage and interval for administering the treatment, which is an injectable. Some participants will receive a placebo.

“Right now we’re optimistic but we need a way to prove that,” Klein said. “Sjögren’s syndrome is such a quality-of-life issue with pain and discomfort, so it’s nice to find something that will help patients out.”

For more information on the Sjögren’s syndrome treatment study, call AMR Wichita West at 316.462.0420 or AMR Wichita East at 316.689.6652.

What is Sjögren’s Syndrome?

Named after Swedish ophthalmologist Henrik Sjögren, Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the moisture-producing glands, such as the salivary and tear glands, resulting in decreased production of tears and saliva. But it can also impact various other organs and systems in the body, significantly impacting a person’s quality of life. Sjögren’s syndrome is relatively uncommon, and about 90 percent of people diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome are women.

The hallmark symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome are dryness in the eyes and mouth, leading to gritty or burning sensations, difficulty swallowing, and increased dental problems. Other possible symptoms include joint pain, fatigue, skin rashes, and dryness in the nose, throat and vagina. Additionally, some individuals may experience systemic manifestations, affecting organs such as the lungs, kidneys or nervous system.

About 40 percent of people with the syndrome can have life-altering conditions like arthritis, profound fatigue and liver and heart issues. People with Sjögren’s syndrome are more likely to get B-cell lymphoma. It can also cause problems in pregnancy, such as pregnancy complications, premature labor and spontaneous loss of pregnancy.

The exact cause of Sjögren’s syndrome remains unknown, but researchers believe it to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The condition is primarily characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking the body’s own moistureproducing glands, leading to their dysfunction.

There is currently no cure, but Wichita researchers at AMR hope a new treatment being studied will be life changing for sufferers of Sjögren’s syndrome.