# Non-immunosuppressive rheumatoid arthritis DMARD

> **NIH NIH R43** · KNOUBIS BIO, INC. · 2023 · $274,414

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
This proposal is focused on development of a novel non-immunosuppressive biologic therapy for RA by targeting
fibroblast-like synoviocytes, local joint-lining cells that substantially contribute to joint destruction during
rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The development of immunosuppressant disease-modifying anti-rheumatic agents
(DMARDs) has dramatically improved the quality of life of RA patients; however a large proportion of patients
still fail to reach sufficient control of disease activity on the currently available RA medications. There is a need
for novel non-immunosuppressive therapies for RA that can be used alone or in combination with current
DMARDs. To address this need, we are seeking to target fibroblast-like synoviocytes as a non-
immunosuppressive option for RA. Here, we will demonstrate our biologic reduces FLS migration and invasion
and reverses arthritis in mice. This project addresses a major unmet medical need in RA, the lack of non-
immunosuppressive therapies for controlling disease activity. Once we obtain proof-of-concept data during this
Phase I project, we will apply for Phase II funding to further develop the lead and characterize its preclinical
efficacy and safety.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10761242
- **Project number:** 1R43AR083327-01
- **Recipient organization:** KNOUBIS BIO, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Stephanie Stanford
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $274,414
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2023-09-21 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10761242

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10761242, Non-immunosuppressive rheumatoid arthritis DMARD (1R43AR083327-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-28 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10761242. Licensed CC0.

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