MARLBOROUGH, Mass.,
May 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- RXi
Pharmaceuticals Corporation (NASDAQ: RXII), a biotechnology company
focused on discovering and developing innovative therapies
primarily in the areas of dermatology and ophthalmology, presented
new data, on Saturday, May 9, 2015,
on the Company's proprietary self-delivering RNAi
(sd-rxRNA®) compounds developed to target Tyrosinase
(TYR) and Collagenase (MMP1) at the 74th Annual Meeting
of the Society for Investigative Dermatology.
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Poster 642 presented new data from one of the Company's
discovery stage programs, showing that sd‑rxRNA compounds developed
to target TYR, lead to a visible reduction in pigmentation in
cultured melanocytes. In vitro experiments have been carried
out using a 3‑dimensional tissue culture model of human epidermis
that contains melanocytes. The results of these experiments show
that sd-rxRNA compounds targeting tyrosinase, in this model, are at
least one hundred times more potent than kojic acid, a
well-characterized skin lightening agent in reducing the melanin
production in melanocytes.
Poster 487 presented results on sd-rxRNA compounds targeting
MMP1. In this discovery program, multiple potent sd-rxRNAs that
target MMP1 have been identified and evaluated. Data from
this poster show a reduction in MMP1 mRNA levels that corresponds
to a similar reduction in MMP1 enzyme activity in HT-1080 cells, a
cell line useful for research related to cancer of connective
tissues. In addition, silencing of MMP1 expression in an
in vitro scratch assay resulted in reduced migration of A549
cells, a clinically relevant non-small cell lung cancer cell line.
Reduced migration in a scratch assay may indicate a reduction
in the invasive nature of the cancer cell due to MMP1 reduction as
a result of sd-rxRNA treatment.
"We are excited to move these discovery programs forward," said
Dr. Karen Bulock, Vice President of
Research at RXi Pharmaceuticals. She further added, "Not only do
these TYR inhibitors have the potential to treat pigmentation
disorders, both the TYR and MMP1 compounds may also be useful as
adjuvant therapy for diseases such as melanoma and possibly cancer
metastasis, respectively."
Both posters are available on the Company's website at
www.rxipharma.com.
About Tyrosinase
Tyrosinase is a key enzyme involved in the synthesis of melanin,
which is produced by melanocytes. This is the pigment that
gives human skin, hair and eyes their color. TYR-targeting
compounds may be therapeutically useful in a number of areas
including cutaneous hyperpigmentation disorders such as age spots,
liver spots, freckles, and potentially melanoma.
About Collagenase
Collagenases are enzymes that break the peptide bonds in
collagen. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP1) is a collagenase involved
in the breakdown of extracellular matrix that specifically cleaves
collagen I, II and III. MMP1-targeting compounds may be
therapeutically beneficial in the treatment of skin aging disorders
including photo aging, arthritis, acne scarring, blistering skin
disorders, corneal erosions, endometriosis and possibly cancer
metastasis.
About Self-delivering RNAi (sd-rxRNA®)
RXi's novel, self-delivering RNAi (sd‑rxRNA) compounds are
designed for therapeutic use and have drug-like properties, such as
high potency, target specificity, serum stability, reduced immune
response activation, and efficient cellular uptake. They are hybrid
oligonucleotide molecules that combine the beneficial properties of
both conventional RNAi and antisense technologies. The sd‑rxRNAs
have a single-stranded phosphorothioate region, a short duplex
region, and contain a variety of nuclease-stabilizing and
lipophilic chemical modifications. The combination of these
features has been shown in vitro and in animal
tissues, to allow sd‑rxRNAs to achieve efficient spontaneous
cellular uptake and potent, long-lasting intracellular
activity.
RXI-109, an sd-rxRNA compound, is the Company's first product
candidate. RXI-109 silences Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF),
which plays a key role in tissue regeneration and repair and is
initially being developed to reduce or inhibit scar formation in
the skin and retina and is currently being evaluated in Phase 2a
clinical trials. The Company's sd-rxRNA technology platform is
broadly protected by multiple issued patents and numerous patent
applications.
About RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation
RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation (NASDAQ: RXII) is a
biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing
innovative therapeutics primarily in the area of dermatology and
ophthalmology addressing high-unmet medical needs,. Our discovery
and clinical development programs are based on siRNA technology as
well as immunotherapy agents. These compounds include, but
are not limited to, our proprietary, self-delivering RNAi
(sd-rxRNA®) compounds for the treatment of dermal and
retinal scarring. It also includes an immunomodulator, Samcyprone™,
a proprietary topical formulation of diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP),
for the treatment of such disorders as alopecia areata, warts, and
cutaneous metastases of melanoma.
RXi's robust pipeline, coupled with an extensive patent
portfolio, provides for product and business development
opportunities across a broad spectrum. We are committed to being a
partner of choice for academia, small companies, and large
multinationals. We welcome ideas and proposals for strategic
alliances, including in- and out-licensing opportunities, to
advance and further develop strategic areas of interest.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within
the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements
about future expectations and planned and future development of our
product candidates, technologies and partnerships.
Forward-looking statements about expectations and development plans
of RXi's product candidates and partnerships involve significant
risks and uncertainties, including the following: risks that we may
not be able to successfully develop and commercialize our product
candidates; risks that product development and clinical studies may
be delayed, not proceed as planned and/or be subject to significant
cost over-runs; risks related to the development and
commercialization of products by competitors; risks related to our
ability to control the timing and terms of collaborations with
third parties; and risks that other companies or organizations may
assert patent rights preventing us from developing or
commercializing our product candidates. Additional risks are
detailed in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and
subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q under the caption "Risk
Factors." Readers are urged to review these risk factors and
to not act in reliance on any forward-looking statements, as actual
results may differ from those contemplated by our forward-looking
statements. RXi does not undertake to update forward-looking
statements to reflect a change in its views, events or
circumstances that occur after the date of this release.
Contact
RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Tamara McGrillen
508-929-3646
tmcgrillen@rxipharma.com
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SOURCE RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation