Episode 1: TNF-Alpha: Concept to Proof of Concept

Biologic Therapy In Rheumatoid Arthritis

Professor Sir Ravinder Maini's groundbreaking work on the characterization of TNF-alpha began in the mid-1980's with his collaboration with Professor Mark Feldman. In his study of intercellular messenger molecules, Professor Sir Maini utilized two new technologies -- protein sequencing and cDNA protein coding -- to investigate half a dozen cytokines that appeared to mediate the pathogenesis of connective tissue diseases. One of them, TNF-alpha, proved to play a pivotal role in the cascading interaction of cytokines. When antibody against TNF-alpha was produced, a new field of biologic therapy in the management of rheumatic diseases was born. In this interview, Professor Sir Maini describes the scientific discovery that earned him the title "Father of Translational Research." Listen to him describe this historic exploration in his own words. The podcast also features: Inflammation is Hallmark of Coronary Disease in RA