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
tmcgrillen@rxipharma.com
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SOURCE RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation