Rheumatism and multiple sclerosis: Karlsburg company develops test methods

Karlsburg. A Karlsburg company, the Institute for Diabetes Karlsburg GmbH (IDK), has developed an analysis platform that is unique worldwide and that helps patients with rheumatism, multiple sclerosis and a number of other autoimmune diseases. The test enables an earlier diagnosis, an optimal therapy recommendation and the control of the effectiveness of the treatment.

The test has potential. Because autoimmune diseases are widespread. This refers to chronic inflammatory diseases in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. Healthy body cells and tissue are destroyed.

The most common of the 150 autoimmune diseases is rheumatism. Those affected have to be treated lifelong with sometimes very expensive drugs with significant side effects. The following applies: the sooner rheumatism is recognized and treated, the better the chances of successful therapy.

Information is contained in one in 100,000 immune cells

In order to be able to make a statement about the disease, the misdirected immune cells must first be identified. “But there is only a very small number of these misdirected immune cells, about one in 10,000 to 100,000 others,” says Bernd Hehmke, head of immunodiagnostics. That is why these cells are cultivated in special cultures. The process has now been shortened from several months to two weeks.

A study with patients funded by the state will run until the end of this year in order to prove the suitability of the GPCR test platform beyond any doubt. All you need is a blood sample. The special thing is that the test can ultimately be used for all 150 autoimmune diseases.

Test for four autoimmune diseases for years

Tests for multiple sclerosis, type I diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases of the thyroid gland, such as Basedow’s disease, have been established for several years, says Managing Director Anselm Puchert.

One of the patients who benefit from this is the Waren hospital chaplain, Leif Rotjer. “The Karlsburger test helps me a lot,” he says. “I have multiple sclerosis and 15 years after the diagnosis my quality of life is very good.” In 2008 it was predicted that he would now have to be in a wheelchair. “I run eight to ten kilometers twice a week,” says Leif Rotjer with satisfaction. He came into contact with the Karlsburg company IDK through his family doctor and took part in a study on the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. The therapy tailored on the basis of the test has proven to be very effective to this day. Once a year, the IDK tests his blood for the activity of T cells that attack his central nervous system.

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“In the future, we also want to use our GPCR test platform for other autoimmune diseases, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO syndrome),” continues Bernd Hehmke. “Up to ten percent of women of childbearing age are affected by the PCO syndrome. This disease is considered the most common cause of infertility.

Secondary diseases with further problems

In addition, the PCO syndrome, like other autoimmune diseases, has secondary diseases and late complications. These include, for example, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia. “Cancer is also more common,” says Hehmke.

When diagnosing PCO syndrome, other possible diseases must be ruled out. The GPCR testing platform aims to shorten the time to diagnosis. In addition, it enables the decision for the optimal therapy and the control of its effectiveness. Statements can also be made on possible secondary diseases. The focus is on cardiovascular diseases.

Have your own risks tested in Karlsburg

The Karlsburg-based company has until mid-2025 to establish the test for the PCO syndrome and a marketing concept for this test, reports IDK Managing Director Anselm Puchert.

Anyone who wants to learn more about their own risks for autoimmune diseases can contact the Karlsburger. “However, only private health insurance companies currently reimburse the test,” explains Puchert. Of course, you can also pay the approximately 700 euros for the test privately.

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