Resverlogix Corp. (“Resverlogix” or the "Company") (TSX:RVX) is pleased to announce its sponsorship in a study which will address patients with acute coronary syndrome. Dr. Stephen J. Nicholls, M.B.B.S. Ph.D. of the Cleveland Clinic Coordinating Center for Clinical Research will lead a team of experts coordinating the development of a protocol for RVX-208 in a Phase 2b intravascular ultrasound study (IVUS). Resverlogix anticipates conducting the 2b trial next year, upon completion of a successful Phase 1b/2a trial.
“The IVUS Phase 2b study is a very exciting step for our lead drug RVX-208,” said Donald J. McCaffrey, President & CEO of Resverlogix. “Our ultimate goal is to demonstrate that RVX-208 can increase endogenous ApoA-I production in addition to atherosclerosis regression further supporting that RVX-208 could possibly regress the burden of atherosclerosis.”
Cleveland Clinic researchers will assist in the planning and coordinating of the trial of RVX-208, a novel small molecule that enhances the production of ApoA-I and functional HDL. The study will seek to answer these important scientific questions by measuring the rate of regression of coronary disease using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), a technique that directly measures the amount of plaque in the coronary arteries. Recent research has illustrated that effecting the functionality of HDL and its main protein, ApoA-I, have promising potential to treat atherosclerosis, thereby reducing incidents of cardiovascular disease.
As a leader in ApoA-I technology Resverlogix, which has several internal ApoA-I programs, has deemed it necessary to expand its clinical team. Thus today Resverlogix also announces the hiring of Dr. F. Allan Gordon, M.D., Ph.D. who will be the Company’s Senior Vice President of Clinical Development. Dr. Gordon has more than 20 years of experience as a research scientist and clinician in cardiology.
“It is a pleasure to have an esteemed colleague such as Dr. Gordon join our team of experts,” commented Dr. Jan Johansson, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Vice President Medical Affairs of Resverlogix. “Dr. Gordon’s key strength is his extensive and successful experience with multiple global pharmaceutical companies in guiding drugs through the clinical development process. Dr. Gordon will be the lead clinical scientist for our trial work.”
Dr. Gordon has built up a notable career as a research and development professional in cardiology by achieving success both in development and research. Prior to joining Resverlogix, he was the CEO for Nile Therapeutics, an early stage bio-pharmaceutical in cardiovascular science, particularly in acute heart failure. Moreover, Dr. Gordon led the international development program for Natrecor at Scios Inc, a Johnson & Johnson company. In addition to this work in the US, he has worked with several large pharmaceutical companies in leading positions on clinical development programs for cardiovascular disease, including Astra-Zeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Novartis.
Dr. Gordon received his M.D. and Ph.D. from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden where he initially worked in a number of hospital settings, followed by his position as an Associate Professor in Cardiology at the Karolinska Institute. He has published approximately 50 articles and abstracts.
About ApoA-I
Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), the main component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) represent the body’s natural defense system against atherosclerosis by mediating reverse cholesterol transport, i.e. transport of peripheral cholesterol including that of the vessel wall to the liver for processing. In multiple human and animal studies over-expression or repeated infusion of ApoA-I inhibit progression and induce regression of atherosclerosis in animals and humans.
Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in the developed nations according to the World Health Organization. In the United States the American Heart Association estimates that almost 80 million American adults have one or more types of cardiovascular disease. Nearly 2400 Americans die each day from cardiovascular disease – that is 1 person will die every 36 seconds.
About IVUS
Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is an invasive procedure, performed along with cardiac catheterization; a miniature sound probe (transducer) on the tip of a coronary catheter is threaded through the coronary arteries and, using high-frequency sound waves, produces detailed images of the interior walls of the arteries.
IVUS is used to view the artery literally from the inside out making it possible for investigators to asses the amount of disease present. In the case of Resverlogix’s 2b clinical trial it will be used to assess the amount of disease present prior to the administration of RVX-208 to subjects as well as assessing the amount of disease present after a course of treatment with RVX-208
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 needs. The NexVas™ program is the Company’s primary focus which is to develop novel small molecules that enhance ApoA-I. These vital therapies address the grievous burden of atherosclerosis and other important diseases such as acute coronary syndrome, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and other vascular disorders. The Company’s secondary focus is TGF-Beta Shield™, a program that aims to address burgeoning grievous diseases, such as cancer and fibrosis. Resverlogix Corp. trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:RVX). For further information please visit www.resverlogix.com.
This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that reflect the current views and/or expectations of Resverlogix Corp. with respect to its performance, business and future events. Such statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual results and events may vary significantly. The TSX Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Contacts:
Theresa Kennedy , VP, Corporate
Communications,
604-538-7072
Theresa@resverlogix.com
www.resverlogix.com
or
Cleveland
Clinic
Brian Kolonick, Media Relations Manager,
216-444-0898
kolonib@ccf.org
www.ccf.org
