Waldenström Macroglobulinaemia (WM)
In recent years, there has been a growing need for effective drug and therapy development services for Waldenström macroglobulinaemia (WM). This rare and complex hematologic malignancy presents unique challenges in terms of understanding its underlying causes, identifying appropriate targets, and developing therapies. Our company, a leading expert in the field of rare disease research and drug development, is at the forefront of providing comprehensive services in the development of therapies for WM.
What is Waldenström Macroglobulinaemia (WM)?
Waldenström macroglobulinaemia (WM) is a rare form of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma with an incidence of approximately 3 cases per 1 million persons per year in the United States. It is characterized by the presence of an abnormal protein called monoclonal IgM antibody. This condition arises from the clonal expansion of malignant B-cells in the bone marrow, leading to the overproduction of IgM immunoglobulins. WM typically presents with a range of symptoms, including fatigue, weight loss, anemia, bleeding disorders, and enlarged lymph nodes, liver, and spleen.
Pathogenesis of Waldenström Macroglobulinaemia (WM)
The exact cause of Waldenström macroglobulinaemia (WM) remains unknown. However, several factors have been implicated in its development. Genetic predisposition, such as mutations in MYD88 and CXCR4 genes, has been identified in a subset of WM. Chronic antigenic stimulation, infections like Hepatitis C, and exposure to certain chemicals or environmental factors may also contribute to the development of WM.
Fig.1 Management of WM in 2020. (Castillo, Jorge J., et al., 2020)Therapy Development for WM
- Gene Therapy
MYD88 or CXCR4 gene mutations are common genetic changes in WM. Targeting these pathways using gene therapy has shown promise in inhibiting WM cell growth and survival.
- Small molecule drugs
BTK (Bruton's tyrosine kinase) has emerged as a crucial target in WM therapy development. Small molecule drugs, such as the BTK inhibitor ibrutinib, have shown significant efficacy in WM.
- Therapeutic Antibodies
Therapies aimed at modulating the immune system, such as monoclonal antibodies targeting CD20 (e.g., rituximab), have shown promising results in WM therapy by selectively eliminating malignant B-cells.
Stem cell transplantation allows for the delivery of high-dose therapy, which can effectively eradicate malignant cells and provide a chance for long-term remission.
Our Services
With years of experience, our company has gained invaluable insights into the complexities of WM and its therapy development. We are at the forefront of WM diagnostics and therapy development, constantly striving to identify innovative approaches to combat this challenging disease.
Platform Capabilities
Our team of experienced specialists possesses in-depth knowledge and expertise in disease model development for WM. We excel in developing relevant cell-based models, organoid models, and animal models for WM, enabling efficient pharmacokinetics studies and drug safety evaluation.
Animal Models of WM
- IgM+ lymphoproliferative disorder models
- WM tumor cell xenograft models
Our team will work closely with you to design and execute experiments, ensuring that our services align with your objectives. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us for more details and quotation information of related services.
References
- Castillo, Jorge J., and Steven P. Treon. "Management of Waldenström macroglobulinemia in 2020." Hematology 2014, the American Society of Hematology Education Program Book 2020.1 (2020): 372-379.
- Gertz, Morie A. "Waldenström macroglobulinemia: 2019 update on diagnosis, risk stratification, and management." American journal of hematology 94.2 (2019): 266-276.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.