GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has started a Phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of GSK3196165, an investigational anti-granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor monoclonal (anti GM-CSF) antibody, in patients with inflammatory hand osteoarthritis.

GSK3196165 is one of the approximately 40 assets profiled to investors at GSK's R&D event in November 2015 and belongs to the company's immuno-inflammation portfolio, one of six core areas of scientific research and development alongside oncology, vaccines and infectious, respiratory, and rare diseases.

In 2013 GSK assumed exclusive worldwide responsibility of GSK3196165 (previously MOR103) from MorphoSys AG for all development and commercialization activities in all therapeutic fields.

GSK3196165 is a monoclonal antibody that blocks the effects of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), a pro-inflammatory cytokine (a chemical messenger) that plays a key role in a broad range of inflammatory diseases, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It activates cells, including macrophages (a white blood cell which plays a key role in the inflammatory process), leading to inflammation and joint damage.

Source: GlaxoSmithKline