(Alliance News) - Drug developer Redx Pharma PLC on Thursday said RXC007 has been nominated as a drug development candidate for the treatment of fibrosis.
RXC007 targets fibrotic diseases like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a potentially life-threatening chronic lung condition. Fibrosis refers to the scarring of connective tissue in the body.
The drug works by inhibiting Rho Associated Coiled-Coil Containing Protein Kinase 2 (ROCK2), an enzyme thought to be key in the development of fibrosis.
Chief Executive Lisa Anson said: "Redx is pleased to be progressing the development of this exciting drug candidate that selectively inhibits ROCK2 as a potential treatment for multiple fibrotic diseases. This is a challenging area of chemistry and the Redx team is proud to deliver another successful drug candidate. We look forward to taking RXC007 into clinical trials in the first half of 2021."
Alderley Edge, Cheshire-based Redx is aiming to begin a phase one study on the drug in the second half of 2021.
Promising pre-clinical data showed Redx's ROCK2 inhibitor programme, which includes RXC006, another drug candidate, has demonstrated "robust anti-fibrotic effects", the company said.
Redx explained: "Specifically, RXC007 met fibrosis endpoints in disease models of liver and lung fibrosis. Furthermore, RXC007's selective inhibition of ROCK2 over other enzyme isoforms should enable a safe cardiovascular profile in patients."
Redx shares were 1.2% lower at 8.15 pence each in London on Thursday morning.
By Eric Cunha; ericcunha@alliancenews.com
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