FDA Confirms That Use of mFARS as Primary Endpoint in Part 2 of the MOXIe Trial Can Support Approval of Omaveloxolone in Friedreich’s Ataxia


IRVING, Texas, Aug. 14, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:RETA) (“Reata” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that the modified Friedreich’s Ataxia Rating Scale (mFARS) is an acceptable primary endpoint for Part 2 of the MOXIe trial for omaveloxolone in Friedreich’s ataxia (FA).

The FDA communication was made in response to the Company’s request that the FDA confirm its prior guidance that, depending on the MOXIe trial results, mFARS could be appropriate to support approval of omaveloxolone for FA under Subpart H.  In the recent communication, FDA indicated that it may consider either accelerated or full approval based on the overall results of the trial and strength of the data.  FDA also recommended that the Company extend the treatment duration for Part 2 of the study and add a straightforward patient-reported or performance-based outcome endpoint to the study.

“This communication from the FDA confirms our view that mFARS could support approval in Friedreich’s ataxia, and we believe that it leaves open an opportunity for full approval if the trial produces robust clinical results,” said Colin Meyer, Chief Medical Officer of Reata.  “We remain committed to rapidly advancing omaveloxolone so that it could be the first approved treatment for this serious, debilitating, and life-shortening condition.”

Part 2 of the MOXIe trial will be a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-center, international trial designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of omaveloxolone in patients with FA.  The trial will enroll approximately 100 FA patients randomized evenly to either 150 mg of omaveloxolone or placebo.  The primary endpoint of the trial will be the change from baseline in mFARS of omaveloxolone compared to placebo at 48 weeks.  Additional endpoints will include the change from baseline in peak work during maximal exercise testing, Patient Global Impression of Change, and Clinical Global Impression of Change.  The Company has initiated screening patients for Part 2 of MOXIe and plans to randomize the first patient during the second half of 2017.

About Friedreich's Ataxia

FA is a rare, degenerative, life-shortening neuro-muscular disorder that affects children and adults and involves the loss of strength and coordination usually leading to wheelchair use; diminished vision, hearing and speech; scoliosis (curvature of the spine); increased risk of diabetes; and a life-threatening heart condition.  Currently, there are no FDA-approved treatments for FA.

About Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Reata is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that develops novel therapeutics for patients with serious or life-threatening diseases by targeting molecular pathways involved in the regulation of cellular metabolism and inflammation.  Reata’s two most advanced clinical candidates (bardoxolone methyl and omaveloxolone) target the important transcription factor Nrf2 to restore mitochondrial function, reduce oxidative stress, and resolve inflammation.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes certain disclosures which contain “forward-looking statements,” including, without limitation, statements regarding the success, cost and timing of our product development activities and clinical trials, our plans to research, develop and commercialize our product candidates, and our ability to obtain and retain regulatory approval of our product candidates.  You can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “believes,” “will,” “may,” “aims,” “plans” and “expects.”  Forward-looking statements are based on Reata’s current expectations and assumptions.  Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements, which are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance.  Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to (i) the timing, costs, conduct, and outcome of our clinical trials and future preclinical studies and clinical trials, including the timing of the initiation and availability of data from such trials; (ii) the timing and likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals for our product candidates; (iii) the potential market size and the size of the patient populations for our product candidates, if approved for commercial use, and the market opportunities for our product candidates; and (iv) other factors set forth in Reata’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K, under the caption “Risk Factors.”  The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made and, other than as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.


            

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