Programmable Medicine Presents Myeloid-Directed JAK Inhibitors Designed to Improve Safety in Rheumatoid Arthritis at ACR 2026
Myeloid-directed JAK inhibition aims to control inflammation while preserving adaptive immune function and reducing
Press Release Disclaimer: This is a press release distributed through the XPR Media network. It has not been independently verified by our newsroom.
Programmable Medicine (“PMED”) will present preclinical results at ACR Convergence 2026 supporting development of JAK-dendranibs, a new class of myeloid-directed JAK inhibitors designed to improve the safety of rheumatoid arthritis treatment. The program combines the known value of JAK as a validated target with the myeloid selectivity of PMED’s hydroxyl dendrimer platform.
“Our goal is to offer the disease control of a JAK inhibitor with an improved safety profile compared with conventional JAK inhibitors such as baricitinib,” said Jeffrey L. Cleland, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Programmable Medicine. “By directing JAK inhibition to activated myeloid cells, we aim to preserve adaptive immune function and reduce infection burden.”
Poster Presentation Details
Targeting Rheumatoid Arthritis with Myeloid-Directed JAK-Inhibiting Nanomedicine
Abstract Number: 2028
Submission Number: 2455902
Session: Poster Session C, Rheumatoid Arthritis – Translational Models and Mechanisms
Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Presenter: Madhuri Chattopadhyay, PhD, Senior Scientist, Programmable Medicine
Presentation Time: 10:30 AM–12:30 PM
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation that can lead to cartilage damage and bone erosion. Infiltrating myeloid cells contribute to inflammation and destruction of affected joints. Patients need treatments that control disease activity while minimizing safety risks, including infections. PMED’s JAK-dendranib program aims to address this need through myeloid-directed JAK inhibition.
Hydroxyl dendrimers are selectively taken up by activated myeloid cells in arthritic joints in mice. In a 14-day study using a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis, three JAK-dendranib candidates significantly improved arthritis disease scores, with efficacy comparable to baricitinib. Microscopic examination also showed that a lead candidate significantly reduced inflammation and joint damage, including cartilage damage and bone resorption.
“These efficacy findings, together with the HDT platform’s favorable safety experience in prior animal studies and clinical trials, support continued development of our JAK-dendranib program,” said S. Sakura Minami, PhD, Vice President of Translational Medicine and Nonclinical Development at Programmable Medicine. “Rapid renal clearance and lack of liver metabolism further strengthen the rationale for a myeloid-directed HDT approach designed to maintain disease control while improving safety.”
Together, the improvements in arthritis disease scores and joint tissue damage provide preclinical proof of concept and support continued development of the program.
“We’re seeking partners to advance a new class of myeloid-directed JAK inhibitors into clinical development,” said Mukul Agarwal, Chief Business Officer of Programmable Medicine. “Our strategy is to develop treatments for inflammatory diseases that combine effective disease control with improved safety, expanding options for patients whose care is limited by the risks of existing therapies.”
To schedule a meeting at ACR Convergence ’26 or the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in January 2027, contact bd@pmed.com.
About JAK-Dendranibs
JAK-dendranibs are investigational hydroxyl dendrimer therapeutics in which proprietary Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are conjugated to hydroxyl dendrimers. The program combines myeloid- selective uptake with JAK inhibition to develop disease-modifying antirheumatic drug candidates. Preservation of adaptive immune function and reduced infection burden remain potential benefits to be evaluated.
About Programmable Medicine
Programmable Medicine (PMED) is a clinical-stage company developing hydroxyl dendrimer therapeutics (HDTs) that selectively deliver medicines to activated inflammatory cells, including macrophages and microglia. By targeting cell state rather than cell type alone, HDTs are designed to reprogram inflammatory cells while preserving healthy tissue and expanding the therapeutic index.
HDTs have demonstrated a robust safety record across eight clinical trials—five Phase 1 and three Phase 2—in more than 100 patients, providing a foundation for advancing PMED’s pipeline across inflammatory diseases. For more information, visit www.pmed.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261110849507/en/
Media gallery
