TSX Exchange Symbol: RVX
Dr. Bengt Winblad Appointed Chairman of the Clinical & Scientific Advisory Board
Alzheimer's Association International Conference, Vancouver BC, July 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Resverlogix Corp. (TSX:RVX) today announced the formation of a clinical & scientific advisory board to support the clinical development of its lead drug candidate RVX-208 and follow-on bromodomain inhibitors in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment and other dementias. The board, chaired by Dr. Bengt Winblad, will provide insight and guidance on all aspects of the development program.
"We believe cardiovascular and neurodegenerative health is linked by lipoproteins such as Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I)," said Dr. Jan Johansson, senior vice president of medical affairs at Resverlogix. "A clinical program will further our understanding of how RVX-208, an epigenetic BET bromodomain inhibitor which increases production of Apo A-I, may affect neurodegenerative diseases such as early dementia or mild cognitive impairment."
Donald McCaffrey, president and chief executive officer of Resverlogix, added, "RVX-208 is the first BET bromodomain inhibitor that has emerged from Resverlogix' epigenetic drug discovery platform and moved into the clinic. It is currently in Phase 2b clinical development in patients with high-risk cardiovascular disease and we are eager to evaluate it and our other BET inhibitor compounds in other disease states."
Bengt Winblad, M.D., Ph.D., professor of geriatric medicine and chief physician at the Karolinska University Hospital, said, "Recent studies are providing evidence of the link between poor cognition, memory and low levels of cardio-protective factors such as ApoA-I. I am looking forward to working with Resverlogix and studying RVX-208 in patients with neurodegenerative diseases."
Resverlogix plans to initiate a Phase 2 trial of RVX-208 in patients with mild cognitive impairment in the second half of 2013.
Appointed members of the clinical & scientific advisory board include:
Bengt Winblad, M.D., Chairman: Dr. Winblad is professor of geriatric medicine and chief physician at the Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge and the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. Professor Winblad is co-chair of the European Alzheimer Disease Consortium (EADC) and chairs the Medical Scientific Advisory Panel of the Alzheimer Disease International (ADI). In 2009, Dr. Winblad was ranked the world's most prolific researcher in the Alzheimer's disease field (J Alzheimer's Disease 2009).
Jeff Cummings, M.D., Sc.D.: Dr.Cummings is director of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas and Cleveland. Dr. Cummings received the Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Award from the National Alzheimer's Association in 2008.
Henrik Zetterberg, M.D., Ph.D.: Dr. Zetterberg is professor of neurochemistry at the University of Gothenburg. He was a Fulbright Scholar and research fellow in neurology at the Harvard Institutes of Medicine, Boston between 2004 and 2005. Dr. Zetterberg is an established leader in the field of neurochemistry, biomarkers and diagnostics.
Rada Koldamova, M.D., Ph.D.: Dr. Koldamova is an associate professor and lead researcher at the School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh's Koldamova & Lefterov lab. Her interest is in cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration, the role of ABCA1 transporter and apolipoproteins A-I and E in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
About RVX-208
RVX-208 is a first-in-class, small molecule that inhibits BET
bromodomains. It is currently in clinical study for the treatment of
atherosclerosis. RVX-208 functions by removing atherosclerotic plaque
by a process called reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). RCT is the
natural process through which atherosclerotic plaque is transported out
of the arteries and removed from the body by the liver. RVX-208
increases production of ApoA-I, the key building block of functional high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles and the type required for RCT.
Since new, functional HDL particles are flat and empty they can
efficiently remove plaque and stabilize or reverse atherosclerotic
disease. RVX-208 is currently being evaluated in Phase 2b studies for
its ability to reverse and/or stabilize atherosclerotic disease.
RVX-208 also has the potential to treat other indications including
neurodegenerative disorders.
About Resverlogix
Resverlogix Corp. (TSX:RVX) is a clinical stage cardiovascular company
with an epigenetic platform technology that modulates protein
production. Resverlogix is developing RVX-208, a first-in-class small
molecule for the treatment of atherosclerosis. RVX-208 is the first BET
bromodomain inhibitor in clinical trials. New compounds arising from
Resverlogix' epigenetic drug discovery platform function by inhibiting
BET bromodomains and have the potential to impact multiple diseases
including cancer, autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders.
Resverlogix' common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange
(TSX:RVX). For further information please visit www.resverlogix.com.
This news release may contain certain forward-looking information as
defined under applicable Canadian securities legislation, that are not
based on historical fact, including without limitation statements
containing the words "believes", "anticipates", "plans", "intends",
"will", "should", "expects", "continue", "estimate", "forecasts" and
other similar expressions. In particular, this news release includes
forward looking information relating to research and development
activities, and the potential role of RVX-208 in the treatment of
atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases. Our actual results,
events or developments could be materially different from those
expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We can give
no assurance that any of the events or expectations will occur or be
realized. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to
numerous assumptions and risk factors including but not limited to
those associated with the success of research and development programs,
clinical trial programs including possible delays in patient
recruitment, the regulatory approval process, competition, securing and
maintaining corporate alliances, market acceptance of the Company's
products, the availability of government and insurance reimbursements
for the Company's products, the strength of intellectual property,
financing capability, the potential dilutive effects of any financing,
reliance on subcontractors and key personnel and additional assumptions
and risk factors discussed in our Annual Information Form and most
recent MD&A which are incorporated herein by reference and are
available through SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking
statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by
this cautionary statement and are made as of the date hereof. The
Company disclaims any intention and has no obligation or
responsibility, except as required by law, to update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise.
For further information, please contact: | |
Company Contacts: | |
Donald J. McCaffrey | Sarah Zapotichny |
President and CEO | Director of Investor Relations |
Resverlogix Corp. | Resverlogix Corp. |
Phone: 403-254-9252 | Phone: 403-254-9252 |
Email: don@resverlogix.com | Email: sarah@resverlogix.com |
US Institutional Investors: | Media: |
Susan Noonan | Tony Russo, Ph.D. |
Managing Partner | Matt Middleman, M.D. |
S.A. Noonan Communications, LLC | Russo Partners, LLC |
Phone: 212-966-3650 | Phone: 212 845 4251 |
Email: susan@sanoonan.com | Phone: 212-845-4272 |
Email: tony.russo@russopartnersllc.com | |
Email: matt.middleman@russopartnersllc.com |
SOURCE Resverlogix Corp.