Joining the RIPK1 inhibitor race, Eli Lilly has agreed to partner with Rigel Pharmaceuticals to co-develop and commercialise the latter’s R552 for all indications including auto immune and inflammatory diseases. The deal, which is worth up to US$1 B, also gives Lilly access to preclinical assets in central nervous system indications, complementing the company’s recent licensing agreement with Asahi Kasei Pharma for AK1780, an orally bioavailable P2X7 receptor antagonist for the treatment of pain.