In last trading session, the stock price of RXi Pharmaceuticals Corp (NASDAQ:RXII) gained more than 1% to close the day at $2.49. After trading in a narrow range, the stock finally managed to get a clear direction.
The news
RXi Pharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage RNAi firm advancing innovative therapeutics in ophthalmology and dermatology that address major unmet medical needs, reported that it has obtained a Notice of Allowance, from the USPTO, for both the methods of use and composition of matter for its self-delivering RNAi compounds targeting CTGF. This patent covers its lead clinical candidate, “RXI-109”, which is being assessed in multiple clinical studies to lower scar formation in the eye and skin. The patent, once given, will not terminate until 2031.
The expert view
Dr. Geert Cauwenbergh, the CEO and President of RXi, said that they are delighted to have be given this Notice of Allowance. This patent protection for self-delivering RNAi technology strengthens their position to generate revenue and commercial development possibilities in the areas of ocular and dermal scarring, and other fibrotic indications, like liver fibrosis.
The plans
Building on the leading work of Dr. Craig Mello, scientists at RXi advanced unique sd-rxRNA compounds. These proprietary compounds are unique RNAi compounds with improved properties for therapeutic use covering, stability, and lower potential for immune stimulation, potent intracellular activity and efficient natural cellular uptake. All cell types tested internalize sd-rxRNA compounds efficiently and uniformly, resulting in long lasting and potent silencing. Efficient natural cellular uptake is observed in vivo and in vitro, and in tissues including liver, skin, retina, lung and spinal cord.
The candidate
RXI-109 silences CTGF, which plays a major role in tissue repair and regeneration. It is currently in development phase to inhibit or reduce scar formation in the eye and in the skin. A Phase 1/2 clinical trial, RXI-109-1501, is going on to assess the clinical activity and safety of RXI-109 to avert the development of retinal scarring.
