A progressive disease often leading to chronic pain and severe, incapacitating disabilities, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes the body’s immune system to inflame, destroying soft tissue and eroding bone and cartilage. The current treatment options for RA have potentially significant side effects and limitations.

Rigel's RA program is focused on the development of an oral disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) to be used early in the course of the disease.

Unlike current RA treatments, some of which are delivered by injection, FosD (previously referred to as R788) reversibly blocks signaling in multiple cell types involved in inflammation and tissue degradation in RA. And because it is delivered orally, FosD may help patients overcome treatment obstacles often encountered with injectable drugs.

Planned for use in the early stages of the disease, FosD will potentially diminish swelling and tissue destruction, preventing the progression to major bone and cartilage destruction.

RA suffers may have a chance to lead active, healthy lifestyles.

The worldwide market for RA drugs exceeded $13 billion in 2009.

• AstraZeneca and Rigel Pharmaceuticals Sign Worldwide License Agreement for Late-Stage Development Product -- Fostamatinib Disodium (FosD, R788) -- for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

• TASKi2 & TASKi3 Results Presentation (PDF)
• Literature Review of RA Treatments (PDF)

R788 - ITP  R788 - lymphomas