British researchers believe they may have found a cure for rheumatoid arthritis, a crippling disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks healthy tissue, causing degeneration of the joints. The study focused on the role of B lymphocytes, white blood cells that make antibodies to attack hostile bacteria and viruses. Sometimes, B-cells mistakenly produce antibodies to attack healthy tissue. 

The team of scientists from University College in London used an experimental treatment on 20 patients who had had rheumatoid arthritis for an average of 20 years and for whom no other treatment had worked. Of the 20 subjects, 18 experienced improvement, and 5 now have only residual pain from the damage already done. They were able to return to a more-or-less normal lifestyle.

The Arthritis Foundation released a statement on the study, saying that the results are encouraging, but that the study is small and cannot be generalized to the entire population. The treatment is not currently available to treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis. But should further trials prove successful, it may be on the market within 5 years.