Gerilimzumab is directed against the IL-6 cytokine. The double-blinded and placebo controlled trial includes single and multiple ascending dose cohorts.
RuiYi plans to release the trial’s results in the first quarter of next year and advance Gerilimzumab into further studies, including in moderate to severe RA.
In late 2012, RuiYi in-licensed the global rights to Gerilimzumab from biopharmaceutical firm arGEN-X.
Early in 2013, RuiYi partnered with Genor Biopharma to develop and commercialize the antibody in China.
Genor offered IND enablement and manufacturing process development for supporting RuiYi in the remaining parts of the world.
RuiYi CEO Paul Grayson said: "More than 20 million individuals worldwide are afflicted with autoimmune disorders, including RA. One of the greatest unmet medical needs of our time is a cost-effective treatment for these patients, 80% of whom are in emerging markets.
"We recognized early on that the pharmacologic profile of Gerilimzumab had exceptional pharmacoeconomic potential for patients in both major as well as emerging markets.
"Gerilimzumab, a potential best in class novel therapeutic with the lowest anticipated pricing of any biologic for RA and with enhanced convenience, should present a valuable treatment option for physicians, patients, and payers worldwide."
Apart from Gerilimzumab, RuiYi is advancing RYI-018, a first in class anti-CB1 inverse agonist to treat fibrotic and metabolic diseases, including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
Image: RuiYi’s double-blinded and placebo controlled trial of Gerilimzumab includes single and multiple ascending dose cohorts. Photo: courtesy of stockdevil./FreeDigitalPhotos.net.