Replies to post #79495 on Biotech Values

[mcbio]

Re: RIGL

Asthma indication is different since there will be less systemic exposure.

I'm just saying that PFE is already partnered with RIGL for one indication, so if the data in RA are good, it would make sense for them to partner with them for another indication. And again, that would make PFE a clear front-runner in the race to be first to market.

I think syk inhibitors will be plagued with neutropenia and hypertension issues when the data come out.

Are you basing this off of the prior Phase 2a trial for RIGL's R788? Increases in blood pressure in particular is the one side effect that seems to have the skeptics convinced that this drug has no future. However, my understanding is that hypertension occurred in only 10% of patients, the actual increases in blood pressure were minimal (i.e., RA patients were already at risk of hypertension so it only took a small increase in blood pressure), and blood pressure increases were completely reversible by increasing an RA patient's existing blood pressure medication or by reducing the dose of R788. I'm not convinced that these issues will de-rail the drug but I'm awaiting the Phase 2b results for more confidence.