Listen to expert scientists discuss their groundbreaking arthritis research
08 April 2025
If you or someone you love has arthritis, you may have heard about the life-changing impact of biologic treatments. These treatments were introduced in the 1990s and are still used today. They target the specific parts of your immune system causing inflammation – meaning they’re more effective and have fewer side effects.
With biologics, many people felt their lives change. From daily pain to almost pain-free – sometimes within days.
But we know that these treatments don’t work for everyone, and that there’s more work to do. Our researchers are determined to make the next breakthrough to help people with all types of arthritis.
That’s why we’re introducing Plan B – a groundbreaking plan to target the B cells responsible for so much arthritis pain
B cells play a critical role in our immune system. They are a type of white blood cell that can identify and target toxins in the body. B cells are very clever cells – and most of the time, they do their job and help keep us well.
However, in autoimmune conditions like arthritis, B cells can malfunction and attack parts of the body, causing damage, inflammation, and pain. Sometimes the cells designed to protect us can make life worse for some of us.
Plan B is working to get to the bottom of how B cells function, to reduce the autoimmune response and reduce inflammation.
Listen to these inspiring researchers talk about their vital work and the life-changing potential of Plan B
You can listen to this Spotify podcast to learn more about B cells from Dr Rosser, Professor Mauri and Professor Isenberg who are experts in the field and whose work has contributed to revolutionary arthritis treatment.
Researchers are on the brink of the next discovery. You can hear their latest insights today
We had a rare opportunity to record a discussion with three world-leading scientists who have dedicated their lives to discovering more about arthritis and the immune system.
Professor Claudia Mauri is Professor of Immunology, specialising in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus research.
Professor David Isenberg is Emeritus Professor of Rheumatology at University College London and was at the forefront of the discovery of the drug rituximab to treat lupus.
Dr Elizabeth Rosser is an Associate Professor with her own team of researchers, focusing on arthritis in children and young adults.
Together, these researchers are working to find new treatments and, one day, cures for people with arthritis.
“Until we can give you a finite course of treatment which changes something radical in your immune system, then we can start talking about cures. That's what we’ve got to push for.”