This week, Resverlogix (RVX) announced its BET protein inhibitor, RVX-208, met the primary endpoint in a Phase 2b clinical trial for patients with high risk of cardiovascular disease. At the end of the day, the company’s stock price had increased by 12.8%.
Patients demonstrated a significant increase in functional HDL that persisted throughout the 24-week long study. In addition, secondary endpoints were also met, with patients showing increases in levels of Apo-AI and large HDL particles, which are both believed to be important factors in enhancing reverse cholesterol transport activity. Additional results evaluating the drug candidate’s ability to reduce plaque regression are expected the first half of 2013.
In addition, the trial showed that previously reported increases in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were infrequent and transient, supporting chronic use of the drug. The company expects to initiate a Phase 3 trial in late 2013.
RVX-208 is a first-in-class small molecule that inhibits BET, a protein involved in epigenetic regulation of gene expression. RVX-208 functions by removing atherosclerotic plaque via reverse cholesterol transport, the natural process through which atherosclerotic plaque is transported out of the arteries and removed from the body by the liver. This drug candidate also has the potential to treat other indications, including neurodegenerative disorders.
