RVX-208 Reduces Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) Significantly in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

CALGARY, Alberta, July 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

In addition, preliminary results from an Australian sponsored trial have yet to verify whether the mechanism of RVX-208 action may affect glucose metabolism.  

Resverlogix Corp. (TSX: RVX) announced today findings from the recent analysis of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) data in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) enrolled in both the ASSURE and SUSTAIN trials. In ASSURE, MACE was a pre-specified endpoint and it was confirmed to be statistically and significantly reduced in patients with DM treated with RVX-208 vs. placebo. The latest finding reinforces the potential benefit of RVX-208, a first in class BET-inhibitor, to impact MACE and additional metabolic parameters over a duration of 6 months in high risk vascular patients with DM and low HDL.

ASSURE enrolled a population who had high cardiovascular risk with low HDL-C and amongst these almost 100 patients had DM. Approximately 75% (precise numbers here and below are reserved for future publications and abstracts) of these patients with DM were given RVX-208 while the remainder received placebo. Unexpectedly, we noted a statistically significant relative risk reduction in MACE of more than 65% in patients with DM treated with RVX-208 vs. placebo. While this marked and significant reduction of MACE in the ASSURE data alone is already very important, it is further supported by the analysis of data from SUSTAIN, a trial with a population almost identical to that in ASSURE. When data from both ASSURE and SUSTAIN were pooled, patients with a history of DM totaled almost 200. Roughly 2/3 of these patients received RVX-208 while the remainder were given placebo. Analysis of the pooled patient data showed again that RVX-208 treatment led to a statistically significant relative risk reduction in MACE of >65% vs. placebo. In patients with DM, RVX-208's ability to reduce MACE is very important because the majority of the patients die from cardiovascular diseases.

In the ongoing analysis of pooled ASSURE and SUSTAIN data, many biomarkers of cardiovascular risk were examined but the above findings made blood glucose levels of specific interest. Results of analysis showed that patients with DM given RVX-208 tended to have lower blood glucose vs. placebo. But specifically in patients with DM who had low HDL, the blood glucose was significantly lower following treatment with RVX-208 vs. placebo. Furthermore, the time required for RVX-208 to reduce blood glucose was not observed until at least 12 weeks following initiation of treatment.

While the analyses of ASSURE data was being conducted, a new trial looking at metabolic parameters was in progress conducted at the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute (Melbourne, Australia). The investigators postulated that the RVX-208 induced rise in ApoA-I/HDL-C may impact pancreatic insulin secretion and thereby lower blood glucose (detected using an oral glucose tolerance test). Patients (n=23) with pre-diabetes mellitus (also called metabolic syndrome) were enrolled in the study and given 200 mg/day RVX-208 for a short duration of only 4 weeks. The preliminary results were not consistent with their hypothesis. However, this finding was useful in understanding the ASSURE data because for RVX-208 to reduce blood glucose in patients with DM required at least 12 weeks of treatment. Analysis of data from the new trial beyond preliminary results reported here will include; HDL abundance, lipidomics, platelet aggregation, monocyte activation and neutrophil adhesion. Resverlogix is planning to submit the above important findings and other new data to scientific journals for peer review prior to publication and presentation at leading medical conferences.

"Resverlogix will continue to examine in detail the data from its numerous human clinical trials specifically for important biomarkers that may play a role in high risk vascular diseases such as acute coronary syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease" stated Donald McCaffrey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Resverlogix. "These are new and important findings that RVX-208, when added to standard of care medicine, reduces MACE in patients with DM" added McCaffrey.

"The new observations above and continued analysis of our extensive database are very important for establishing the emerging role of BET inhibition in high risk vascular disease and especially in those with DM" stated Dr. Jan Johansson, Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at Resverlogix. "The new information that we have gained was essential in designing the next RVX-208 clinical trial to facilitate product registration" Dr. Johansson further commented.

About Diabetes Mellitus & Glucose  

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases in which a patient's blood glucose is high. Untreated DM is a leading risk factor for heart disease, kidney failure, loss of nerve function, amputations and damage to the eyes. A primary defect in DM is the inability of the pancreas to provide enough insulin for the body or ineffective actions of insulin, thus leading to increased blood glucose.

About RVX-208 

RVX-208 is a first-in-class small molecule that selectively inhibits BET bromodomains. RVX-208 functions via several mechanisms such as 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 enhancement and glucose lowering have been reported to exert beneficial effects in Alzheimer's disease and Diabetes Mellitus. RVX-208 also has anti-inflammatory effects including effects on Interleukin-6 inhibition, vascular cell adhesion-1 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1, factors known to be involved in atherosclerosis and plaque stability.

About Resverlogix  

Resverlogix Corp. (TSX: RVX) is a clinical stage cardiovascular company developing compounds involving a therapeutic increase in ApoA-I. Resverlogix's RVX-208 is a first-in-class small molecule for the treatment of atherosclerosis and other chronic diseases such as 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 http://www.resverlogix.com. We can be followed on our blog at http://www.resverlogix.com/blog.

This news release may contain certain forward-looking information as defined under applicable Canadian securities legislation, that are not based on historical fact, including without limitation statements containing the words "believes", "anticipates", "plans", "intends", "will", "should", "expects", "continue", "estimate", "forecasts" and other similar expressions. In particular, this news release includes forward looking information relating to research and development activities and the potential role of RVX-208 in the treatment of atherosclerosis and other chronic diseases. Our actual results, events or developments could be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We can give no assurance that any of the events or expectations will occur or be realized. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions and risk factors including but not limited to those associated with the success of research and development programs, clinical trial programs including possible delays in patient recruitment, the regulatory approval process, competition, securing and maintaining corporate alliances, market acceptance of the Company's products, the availability of government and insurance reimbursements for the Company's products, the strength of intellectual property, financing capability, the potential dilutive effects of any financing, reliance on subcontractors and key personnel and additional assumptions and risk factors discussed in our Annual Information Form and most recent MD&A which are incorporated herein by reference and are available through SEDAR at http://www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and are made as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention and has no obligation or responsibility, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information:
Company Contacts:

Donald J. McCaffrey
President and CEO
Resverlogix Corp.
Phone: +1-403-254-9252
Email: don@resverlogix.com

Kenneth Lebioda
SVP Business & Corporate Development
Resverlogix Corp.
Phone: +1-403-254-9252
Email: ken@resverlogix.com