Rigel autoimmune news
Rigel postponed partnership plans for tamatinib fosidum ( R788) and cut preclinical research programs in virology and oncology to lower operating expenses and conserve cash. The company will reduce headcount by 36 (20%) to 145, with cuts coming from research and related development and administrative positions. The company now plans to partner tamatinib after results from two Phase IIb trials in rheumatoid arthritis are available in July and August. Rigel said potential partners indicated a preference for waiting until the trials were complete before proceeding with negotiations. The solid formulation of R406, a Syk kinase inhibitor, also is in a Phase IIa trial to treat idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), Phase II testing to treat B cell lymphoma and preclinical development for lupus. In November, the company delayed the start of further trials for ITP and lupus until the compound is partnered (see BioCentury, Nov. 10, 2008). ...