Clevexel Pharma, a pharmaceutical company specialized in investing in the development of new molecules, has partnered with Dynamix Pharmaceuticals, a venture-backed Israeli biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel, targeted, small-molecule drugs for cancer and autoimmune disorders.

The partnership will cover the development of a dual mechanism SYK/JAK molecule in rheumatoid arthritis. The orally active SYK/JAK product has a new action and is Dynamix’ lead development program. Over the past decade, efforts have been made to provide an oral treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with the desired efficacy and safety profile. Oral administration is of great interest as current treatments are mainly only injectable.

The companies aim to bring the RA project to a clinical proof-of-concept stage. Preclinical development is planned for early 2014. The first trial is expected to start in 2015.

RA is a chronic and debilitating autoimmune disease of unknown etiology. It is linked to significant morbidity. The associated inflammatory processes cause the destruction of cartilage and bone, leading to joint swelling, pain and, ultimately, joint destruction.

The global RA market is expected to grow from $18.6 billion in 2012 to $26 billion in 2017. RA affects 1.3 million Americans and 2.9 million Europeans. Patients currently are mainly treated with anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies therapies.