“True translation came when we were able to take to the concept into human patients,” says Dr. Maini. “The failure of commercially developed TNF inhibitors in septic shock fortuitously facilitated access to a monoclonal anti-TNF antibody for our studies in RA.” Early trials showed positive results. Since that time, anti-TNF therapy has been recognized as the first successful targeted biological therapy for a chronic disease. The experience with RA has also stimulated the development of biologic therapies for a variety of other inflammatory diseases.
“It is nice to be recognized by your peer group and those you respect,” says Dr. Feldmann. “But the most wonderful thing is the tributes you get from patients who believe you have improved their lives significantly.” All three feel that this recognition is not theirs alone. “It is very important to understand that while only one or two people are recognized for making major new discoveries, it requires a huge team,” says Dr. Feldmann. “People in the laboratory, your clinical group, and even those outside who have to reproduce your result.” The official NAS induction ceremony will take place in April 2011.
Kurt Ullman is a freelance writer based in Indiana.
