R&R has received a grant of 300 million Japanese yen (equivalent to about $ 2.6 million) from the National Institute of Biomedical Innovation (NIBIO), Japan, for the “development of a 5-HT3 partial agonist for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome” as one of the NIBIO’s project to support the development of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. This grant will enable R&R to perform Phase I and Phase IIa clinical studies for RR210, a small molecule developed in Japan. R&R plans to launch the Phase I multiple dose study in United Kingdom by the end of this year, followed by a Phase IIa study planned to be launched next year.
RR210 is the second compound to enter into clinical studies for R&R in the two years since its inception, following the currently undergoing Phase IIa clinical trial of RR110 for Crohn’s Disease in Japan.
About Irritable Bowel Syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic functional bowel disorder most commonly characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, bloating, constipation or diarrhea. IBS is the most common gastrointestinal (GI) complaint in the United States, affecting up to 40 million people. For many of the IBS patients medication is required since IBS can become disabling and result in an inability to work, attend social events or even travel short distances. One of the cause of IBS are believed to be the abnormalities in serotonin (5-HT3), a chemical neurotransmitter that is produced primarily in the GI tract which has been shown to play an important role in regulating the movement and sensitivity of the bowel.
About RR210 RR210 is a partial agonist of the serotonin type 3 receptor (5-HT3). It is known that the drugs affecting serotonin (5-HT) in the intestines can help reduce symptoms of IBS. The most serious side effect of the currently used 5-HT3 antagonist is its severe adverse reactions (ischemic colitis) including severe constipation which can be sometimes fatal. RR210 has an advantage over such antagonists, since its partially remaining agonistic activity would retain peristaltic movement of the intestine at a normal degree, hence could be a promising drug of the next generation for IBS with both effectiveness and safety.
About The National Institute of Biomedical Innovation (NIBIO), The National Institute of Biomedical Innovation is a Japanese governmental organization within the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Japan, supporting the development of new pharmaceuticals
Contact: R&R Inc.
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