The first Phase I clinical trial is a single-ascending dose study in 32 healthy volunteers, while the second trial is a multiple-ascending dose study in 32 RA patients that will be initiated once the first cohort of healthy volunteers has been cleared for safety.
Preclinical studies demonstrated that PLX5622 reduced inflammation, reduced cartilage damage and prevented bone resorption.
Plexxikon said PLX5622 also significantly improved grip strength and clinical scores, as well as improved knee joint range-of-motion scores.