Adalimumab for Dupuytren’s disease

Adalimumab is in clinical development for the treatment of early-stage Dupuytren’s disease (DD). DD is a condition which causes the connective tissue in the hand or fingers to become thicker and less flexible over time. These start with nodules that progress to fibrous cords over time. This results in a contracture, which is the bending of fingers towards the palm. The specific cause of DD is unknown, but it more likely to affect men, particularly of northern European descent. DD can be uncomfortable, painful or limit the use of the hand. There are no recommended treatment options for early-stage DD, with treatment focused on surgical interventions to straighten the fingers affected by the disease progression. There is no cure for DD and current treatment options may not completely straighten the finger(s), can result in loss of strength and flexibility, and the contracture may come back.