MARLBOROUGH, Mass.,
Oct. 21, 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 today
announced that it has selected two compounds for cosmetic product
development ("cosmeceuticals") based on its proprietary
self-delivering RNAi (sd-rxRNA®) platform.
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RXI-231, an sd-rxRNA compound developed to target Tyrosinase
(TYR), has been selected to advance in to cosmetic product
development. TYR is a key enzyme in the synthesis of melanin, the
pigment that gives human skin, hair and eyes their color. RXI-231
lead to a visible reduction of pigmentation in melanocytes in a
3-dimensional tissue culture model of human epidermis. Results
in this model show that RXI-231 is approximately one hundred times
more potent than kojic acid, a well-characterized skin lightening
agent.
RXI-185, an sd-rxRNA compound developed to target Collagenase
(MMP1), has been selected to advance in to cosmetic product
development. Collagenases are enzymes that break the peptide
bonds in collagen. Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) is a
collagenase involved in the breakdown of extracellular matrix that
specifically cleaves collagen I, II and III. Results from
studies show a pronounced reduction in MMP1 mRNA levels that
correspond to a similar reduction in MMP1 enzyme activity in cell
culture in vitro. RXI-185 is nominated for development as a product
that may improve skin appearance.
These two targets were selected because they have great
potential as clinically relevant pharmaceutical gene targets as
well as cosmeceutical targets. The Company is actively
testing other sd-rxRNAs targeting TYR and MMP1 for possible
therapeutic development.
The term 'cosmeceuticals' refers to compounds that affect the
appearance of the skin. For example, by targeting tyrosinase, a
superficial reduction of melanin could potentially change the
appearance of the darkened skin spots known as age spots and
freckles or lighten the skin overall. Cosmeceuticals can make
no preventative nor therapeutic claims and may be developed more
rapidly than therapeutics, therefore the path to market may be much
shorter and less expensive.
"The selection of these two cosmetic product candidates opens
the door for additional business development opportunities with
both small and large companies that are focusing on non-therapeutic
skin health," said Dr. Geert
Cauwenbergh, President and CEO of RXi Pharmaceuticals.
He further added, "The versatility of MMP1 and TYR, which are
relevant for both cosmetic and therapeutic use, are a unique match
with our sd-rxRNA platform, allowing us to advance different
compounds in both areas of development. This approach further
supports our efforts to increase shareholder value."
Dr. Cauwenbergh will present data from the Company's research
and clinical programs today at 1:30 p.m.
PDT at the Bio Investor Forum in San Francisco, CA. The presentation will
be webcast and available on the "Investors" section of the
Company's website, www.rxipharma.com.
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 ocular scar formation. It
also includes an immunomodulator, Samcyprone™, a proprietary
topical formulation of diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP), for the
treatment of disorders such as warts, alopecia areata,
non-malignant skin tumors and cutaneous metastases of melanoma.
Building on the pioneering work of RXi's Scientific Advisory
Board Chairman and Nobel Laureate Dr. Craig
Mello, the Company's first RNAi product candidate, 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 and a Phase 1/2 trial is
planned to initiate this year in ophthalmology.
RXi's robust pipeline, coupled with an extensive patent
portfolio, provides for product and business development
opportunities across a broad spectrum of therapeutic areas. 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. Additional information may be found on the Company's
website, www.rxipharma.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within
the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements
about: our ability to successfully develop RXI-109, Samcyprone™ and
our other product candidates (collectively "our product
candidates"); the future success of our clinical trials with our
product candidates; the timing for the commencement and completion
of clinical trials; our ability to enter into strategic
partnerships and the future success of these strategic
partnerships; and our ability to deploy our sd-rxRNA® technology
through partnerships, as well as the prospects of these
partnerships to provide positive returns. 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