CALGARY, Canada I December 23, 2013 I Resverlogix Corp. (TSX:RVX) today announced that it has completed enrollment of its exploratory Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with pre-diabetes mellitus to examine the effects of RVX-208 and ApoA-I production on glucose metabolism. Approximately 80% of patients with diabetes die from cardiovascular disease (CVD), most notably myocardial infarct and stroke. The trial is conducted in collaboration with Baker IDI Heart & Diabetes Institute in Melbourne, Australia. This trial will examine insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity and other parameters of importance in diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A total of twenty patients have been enrolled in Australia, with data expected on time in mid-2014.

The foundation of this trial builds upon the known actions of RVX-208 and the knowledge that this compound triggers a key epigenetic pathway resulting in enhanced ApoA-I protein production to raise the body’s level of functional HDL particles. The effect of newly created ApoA-I/HDL may help to improve glucose control through effects on not only pancreatic cells that make and secrete insulin but also muscle, the major site of glucose utilization in the body. These actions have the potential to improve on important risk factors for cardiovascular disease associated with the diabetic state.

“The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is rising at epidemic rates around the world adding to the incidence of cardiovascular disease. The results from our current study will shed important light on the potential of RVX-208, the first compound affecting epigenetics to be tested in potentially reducing CVD-risk in patients with diabetes mellitus.” said Dr. Norman Wong, Chief Scientific Officer of Resverlogix.

Principal Investigator, Professor Bronwyn Kingwell said, “This work builds on a strong evidence base regarding novel actions of HDL on glucose control. If positive, these studies will support therapeutic approaches to raise levels of circulating HDL to help reduce CVD-risk and further improve management of Type II Diabetes and its complications.”

About RVX-208

RVX-208 is a first-in-class small molecule that inhibits BET bromodomains. RVX-208 functions by removing atherosclerotic plaque via reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), the natural process through which atherosclerotic plaque is transported out of the arteries and removed from the body by the liver. RVX-208 increases production of Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), the key building block of functional     high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles and the type required for RCT. These newly produced, functional HDL particles are flat and empty and can efficiently remove plaque and stabilize or reverse atherosclerotic disease. Analysis of recent clinical trials data showed that RVX-208 significantly reduces coronary atherosclerosis and major adverse cardiac events in patients with CVD who have a low level of HDL and elevated CRP, a population with unmet medical need. ApoA-I may also exert beneficial effects in Alzheimer’s disease and Diabetes Mellitus.

About Resverlogix

Resverlogix Corp. (TSX:RVX) is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing compounds involving ApoA-I production. RVX-208 is a first-in-class small molecule in development for the treatment of diseases such as atherosclerosis, Diabetes Mellitus and Alzheimer’s disease. RVX-208 is the first BET bromodomain inhibitor in clinical trials. Resverlogix’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RVX). For further information please visit www.resverlogix.com. We can be followed on our blog at  http://www.resverlogix.com/blog.

SOURCE: Resverlogix