Pharmacyclics completes toxicology studies of BTK inhibitor in RA

Pharmacyclics, Inc. (NASDAQ: PCYC) today announced that longer-term toxicology studies for its newly developed Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor for rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, have been completed. The results of these preclinical evaluations have been communicated to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The feedback received from the Agency is supportive of the completion of the ongoing first-in-human study. Additional preclinical work is required to begin a Phase II clinical development program in autoimmune diseases with this investigational compound. The Company does not anticipate initiating a Phase II study until additional preclinical work is successfully completed. Further updates on the progress of these efforts will be provided when appropriate.