MARLBOROUGH, Mass.,
June 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- RXi
Pharmaceuticals Corporation (NASDAQ: RXII), a biotechnology company
focused on discovering and developing innovative therapeutics,
primarily in the areas of dermatology and ophthalmology,
today announced that it received a Notice of Allowance from
the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on its novel,
self-delivering RNAi platform (sd‑rxRNA®). The patent, titled "RNA
Interference in Ocular Indications," covers methods of use of RXi's
VEGF-targeting and CTGF-targeting self-delivering rxRNAs®,
including RXI-109, for use in the eye. The patent, once
issued, will be scheduled to expire in 2031.
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This core patent, within RXi's intellectual property portfolio,
broadens the coverage of RXi's self-delivering platform and
provides coverage of RXI-109 for the treatment of ocular fibrosis.
Scarring of the eye, as a consequence of disease or injury, can
result in impairment or loss of vision. Medical or surgical
treatments for the scarring component of ocular indications is
limited. A therapeutic, such as RXI‑109, that is effective in
reducing the activity of CTGF could have great benefit for patients
whose ocular condition has an active scarring component. To
date, there are no FDA-approved therapeutics for the treatment and
prevention of scarring in the eye.
"We are pleased to receive this notice of allowance from the
USPTO, covering the use of our proprietary VEGF and CTGF-targeting
sd-rxRNAs in the eye, as RXi prepares to file an IND for the use of
RXI-109 to treat ocular fibrosis," said Dr. Geert Cauwenbergh, President and CEO of RXi
Pharmaceuticals. He further added, "The Company continues to
advance its clinical programs as planned and we look forward to
providing additional updates on our ophthalmology and dermatology
programs in the coming months."
About RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation
RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation (NASDAQ: RXII) is a
biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing
innovative therapeutics primarily in the areas of dermatology and
ophthalmology that address 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 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. sd-rxRNAs have
been shown, in vitro and in vivo, to
achieve efficient spontaneous cellular uptake and potent,
long-lasting intracellular activity.
RXI-109, an sd-rxRNA compound, is the Company's first clinical
development 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 in the eye. RXI-109 is currently
being evaluated in Phase 2a clinical trials in dermatology. The
Company's sd-rxRNA technology platform is broadly protected by
multiple issued patents and numerous patent applications.
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