The entity pointed out that the new drug destroys pathological T lymphocytes that attack the patient’s tissues, and has shown a high level of efficiency and safety during clinical trials, the Sputnik news agency reported Thursday. Named Seniprutug by the World Health Organization (WHO), the drug is the result of cooperation between the Pirogov National Medical Research University, the Institute of Biorganic Chemistry, both based in Moscow, and the Russian pharmaceutical company BIOCAD.

One of the creators of the drug, the rector of the Russian National Medical Research University Pirogov, Sergey Lukyanov, stressed that the drug helps to completely stop the disease, and does not cause immunosuppression or addictive effects.

Once registered by the Ministry of Health, the drug can be launched into production.

Ankylosing Spondylitis, also known as Bechterew-Strümpell syndrome, is an autoimmune disease in which antibodies mistakenly attack the joints of the spine as if they were foreign tissue.

Ultimately, the disease can lead to fusion and stiffness of the spine, sometimes resulting in a stooped posture.

jrr/jav/jf/gfa