Spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) is an important modulator of immune system signaling in B-cells, mast cells, neutrophils, macrophages, natural killer cells, dendritic cells and other cells bearing Fc[gamma]-activating receptors. These cells play a critical role in the inflammatory process by releasing cytokines and other intermediaries. Consequently, SYK represents an intriguing therapeutic target for inflammatory and auto-immune diseases and conditions related to Fc signaling or immune complex-based activation.

Fostamatinib is a potent, selective inhibitor of SYK in development at Rigel Pharmaceuticals. Fostamatinib has shown therapeutic activity during clinical studies of rheumatoid arthritis and non-Hodgkin lymphomas, and is now evaluated in diseases in which the immune system attacks and destroys the body\’s own red blood cells or blood platelets, such as auto-immune hemolytic anemia and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Fostamatinibís NDA for the treatment of adult chronic ITP is currently under FDA review with a PDUFA date of April 17, 2018 (so standby).

Dr. Duliege will review the development of Fostamatinib as a therapeutic agent with a new mechanism of action for these rare, serious diseases with significant unmet need.