Resverlogix Presents Two Abstracts on Analysis of the Phase 2 ASSERT Clinical Trial at The ESC Congress 2011
Calgary (ots/PRNewswire)
Resverlogix Corp. ("Resverlogix") announced today that two abstracts on the analysis of the ASSERT trial were presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2011 in Paris, France. The abstracts were co-authored by Resverlogix Senior Scientists and Clinical Steering Committee members: S.J. Nicholls, A. Gordon, J. Johansson, C.M. Ballantyne, J.J.P. Kastelein, N.C.W. Wong, M. Borgman, K. Wolski, and S.E. Nissen.
The Phase 2 ASSERT clinical trial's lead compound RVX-208 is an orally active small molecule that raises Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) production, the key protein in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) known as the 'good cholesterol'. Data gathered in the ASSERT trial showed that RVX-208 enhanced biomarkers of reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), thus reflecting robust cholesterol clearance from arterial wall plaques via this metabolic pathway. This action of RVX-208 is unique and when added to new knowledge of the target protein bound by the compound, it indicates that RVX-208 is clearly different from all other drugs in the sphere, including cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitors.
The current analysis of the ASSERT trial yielded new findings summarized in the presentation titled: "Increasing Circulating Concentration of all HDL Particle Subclasses in Hyper-Responders: Insights from the ASSERT Study to ApoA-I Induction." Abstract link: http://spo.escardio.org/AbstractDetails.aspx?id=100468&eevtid=48
Dr. Jan Johansson, Resverlogix's Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs, highlighted the significance of this observation noting that, "enhanced RCT is a highly sought after goal in drug development because it gives us a chance to regress atherosclerosis within the vessel wall. This new data helped identify a large high-risk patient population with low HDL levels whereby significant benefit may be gained from the actions of RVX-208."
The second ESC presentation titled: "Apolipoprotein A-I Induction Therapy is Associated with Reduction in Inflammatory Biomarkers: Potential Implications for Functionality of High-Density Lipoproteins," demonstrated the potential of RVX-208 in lowering CRP, a recognized biomarker of cardiovascular risk and inflammation. Abstract link: http://spo.escardio.org/AbstractDetails.aspx?id=97764&eevtid=48
"These new observations are valuable in advancing our Phase 2b ASSURE clinical trial of RVX-208 to examine atherosclerosis regression using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and biomarkers of RCT for 26 weeks in patients with Coronary Artery Disease," said Donald J. McCaffrey, President & Chief Executive Officer of Resverlogix. "This new data in the two ESC presentations has not only enriched our understanding of how RVX-208 can augment RCT, and thus enable regression of atherosclerosis, but also the expanded therapeutic potential of RVX-208 in alternate indications."
About RVX-208
RVX-208 is a novel small molecule therapeutic that facilitates endogenous ApoA-I production. It is positioned to be one of the most promising emerging drugs in development for the treatment of atherosclerosis. To the Company's knowledge, RVX-208 is the only novel small molecule that is specifically designed to increase ApoA-I production and thereby raise HDL levels thus enhancing HDL functionality to augment RCT and ultimately plaque regression. RCT is a pathway by which cholesterol that has accumulated within the arterial wall can be transported to the liver for excretion, thus reducing or preventing atherosclerosis.
About Resverlogix Corp.
Resverlogix Corp. is a leading biotechnology company engaged in the development of novel therapies for important global medical markets with significant unmet medical needs. The NexVas(TM) Plaque Regression program is the Company's primary focus which is to develop novel small molecules that enhance ApoA-I production. These vital therapies are focused to address the burden of atherosclerosis and other important diseases such as Acute Coronary Syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, Peripheral Artery Disease, and Autoimmune diseases. Resverlogix Corp.'s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange . For further information please visit http://www.resverlogix.com.
This news release may contain certain forward-looking information as defined under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including our statements with respect to research, development and commercialization of novel therapeutics that reduce the risk of cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases including atherosclerosis, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, Peripheral Artery Disease and other vascular disorders 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. 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 known and unknown risks and uncertainties including but not limited to those risk factors discussed in the Company's Annual Information Form and January 31, 2011 MD&A which are incorporated herein by reference and other documents we file from time to time with securities authorities, which are available through SEDAR at http://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. The TSX Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
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For further information: Company Contact: Donald J. McCaffrey President & CEO Resverlogix Corp. Phone: +1-403-254-9252 Email: Don@resverlogix.com Sarah K. Zapotichny Director, Investor Relations Resverlogix Corp. Phone: +1-403-254-9252 Email: sarah@resverlogix.com US Institutional Investors: Susan Noonan Managing Partner S.A. Noonan Communications, LLC Phone: +1-212-966-3650 Email: Susan@sanoonan.com Media: Eric Goldman Vice President Public Relations Rx Communications Group Phone: +1-917-322-2563 Email: egoldman@rxir.com
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