RXi Pharmaceuticals Granted Notice of Allowance for Patent Covering Lead Compound, RXI-109, for Use in the Eye

MARLBOROUGH, Mass., June 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation (NASDAQ: RXII), a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing innovative therapeutics, primarily in the areas of dermatology and ophthalmology, today announced that it received a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on its novel, self-delivering RNAi platform (sd‑rxRNA®). The patent, titled "RNA Interference in Ocular Indications," covers methods of use of RXi's VEGF-targeting and CTGF-targeting self-delivering rxRNAs®, including RXI-109, for use in the eye.  The patent, once issued, will be scheduled to expire in 2031.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130917/NE80755LOGO

This core patent, within RXi's intellectual property portfolio, broadens the coverage of RXi's self-delivering platform and provides coverage of RXI-109 for the treatment of ocular fibrosis. Scarring of the eye, as a consequence of disease or injury, can result in impairment or loss of vision.  Medical or surgical treatments for the scarring component of ocular indications is limited.  A therapeutic, such as RXI‑109, that is effective in reducing the activity of CTGF could have great benefit for patients whose ocular condition has an active scarring component.  To date, there are no FDA-approved therapeutics for the treatment and prevention of scarring in the eye.

"We are pleased to receive this notice of allowance from the USPTO, covering the use of our proprietary VEGF and CTGF-targeting sd-rxRNAs in the eye, as RXi prepares to file an IND for the use of RXI-109 to treat ocular fibrosis," said Dr. Geert Cauwenbergh, President and CEO of RXi Pharmaceuticals. He further added, "The Company continues to advance its clinical programs as planned and we look forward to providing additional updates on our ophthalmology and dermatology programs in the coming months."

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 retinal scarring. It also includes an immunomodulator, Samcyprone™, a proprietary topical formulation of diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP), for the treatment of such disorders as alopecia areata, warts, and cutaneous metastases of melanoma. 

RXi's novel, self-delivering RNAi (sd‑rxRNA) compounds are designed for therapeutic use and have drug-like properties, such as high potency, target specificity, serum stability, reduced immune response activation, and efficient cellular uptake. sd-rxRNAs have been shown, in vitro and in vivo, to achieve efficient spontaneous cellular uptake and potent, long-lasting intracellular activity. 

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. The Company's sd-rxRNA technology platform is broadly protected by multiple issued patents and numerous patent applications.

RXi's robust pipeline, coupled with an extensive patent portfolio, provides for product and business development opportunities across a broad spectrum. 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.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future expectations and planned and future development of our product candidates, technologies and partnerships.  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
[email protected]

SOURCE RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED