RXi Pharmaceuticals Strengthens Intellectual Property Portfolio for Novel RNAi Platform

MARLBOROUGH, Mass., June 9, 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 two Notices of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). One is on RXi's novel, self-delivering RNAi platform (sd‑rxRNA®). The patent, titled "Reduced Size Self-Delivering RNAi Compounds," covers both the composition and methods of use of RXi's self-delivering platform.  The patent, once issued, will be scheduled to expire in 2031.

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Importantly, this patent expands the scope of RXi's self-delivering RNAi platform with the incorporation of novel oligonucleotide chemical modifications. These chemical modifications result in improved biodistribution following systemic administration and may be beneficial for local delivery applications in the central nervous system.

In addition, RXi announced that it has also received a Notice of Allowance from the USPTO covering the composition and methods of use for rxRNAori® compounds targeting Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 4 (MAP4K4). These compounds may be beneficial for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and/or metabolic diseases. RXi's rxRNAori platform are highly potent RNAi compounds which require delivery vehicles to be taken up by cells and tissues of interest. The patent, once issued, will be scheduled to expire in 2029.

"We are pleased to receive both of these Notices of Allowance from the USPTO, which further broaden and protect the Company's already robust patent estate." said Dr. Geert Cauwenbergh, President and CEO of RXi Pharmaceuticals. He further added, "RXi's intellectual property portfolio is a highly valuable corporate asset that provides substantial protection for our novel technology platform and offers numerous product and business development opportunities."

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

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