Resverlogix Announces Publication on Apabetalone in Clinical Epigenetics

Publication Outlines Apabetalone’s Effect on Key Biological Process Underlying the Development of Atherosclerosis


CALGARY, Alberta, July 15, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Resverlogix Corp. ("Resverlogix" or the "Company") (TSX:RVX) announced today the recent publication of an article titled: “Apabetalone (RVX-208) reduces vascular inflammation in vitro and in CVD patients by a BET-dependent epigenetic mechanism” in Clinical Epigenetics, a top tier, open access journal devoted to the study of epigenetic principles and mechanisms as applied to human development, disease, diagnosis and treatment.

“This article represents a large step forward for Resverlogix as we add to the list of important publications detailing the benefits of apabetalone for patients suffering from multi-factorial diseases including cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease,” said Dr. Ewelina Kulikowski, Senior Vice President, Research & Development of the Company. “The findings in this article are the culmination of many years of research and development and I’m extremely proud of our science team for their contributions to this ground-breaking work.” 

Clinical Epigenetics Publication Highlights include:

  • Vascular inflammation involving endothelial cells and monocytes is a key biological process underlying the development of atherosclerosis and driving cardiovascular disease (CVD) progression
  • Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain proteins (BET) act as epigenetic drivers of inflammation in endothelial cells and monocytes
  • Apabetalone is a BET protein inhibitor in clinical development for cardiovascular, chronic kidney disease and vascular cognitive dementia
  • Apabetalone treatment resulted in lowering the expression of inflammatory genes in both cell types and consequently a reduction in adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells
  • Monocytes recruited to inflamed regions of the endothelium foster the progression of atherosclerosis and may destabilize plaques
  • In a phase 2 trial, plasma proteins associated with vascular inflammation were decreased with apabetalone treatment, providing strong evidence for the translational nature of these findings

Publication Conclusions:

Apabetalone, through an epigenetic mechanism, suppresses genes associated with vascular inflammation. The proteins encoded by these genes promote the progression of atherosclerosis and are linked to plaque instability. Countering vascular inflammation through apabetalone treatment is therefore predicted to contribute to a reduction in major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in the phase 3 BETonMACE trial.

In previous clinical trials, apabetalone reduced the incidence of MACE by up to 62% in various cardiovascular disease patient populations.

The open access publication can be viewed using the following LINK.

About Resverlogix

Resverlogix is developing apabetalone (RVX-208), a first-in-class, small molecule that is a selective BET (bromodomain and extra-terminal domain) inhibitor. BET inhibition is an epigenetic mechanism that can regulate disease-causing genes. Apabetalone is a BET inhibitor selective for the second bromodomain (BD2) within the BET proteins. This selective inhibition of apabetalone on BD2 produces a specific set of biological effects with potentially important benefits for patients with high-risk cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease treated with hemodialysis, neurodegenerative disease, Fabry disease, peripheral artery disease and other orphan diseases, while maintaining a well described safety profile.

Resverlogix common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:RVX).

Follow us on Twitter: @Resverlogix_RVX

For further information please contact:

Investor Relations
Email: ir@resverlogix.com
Phone: 403-254-9252
Or visit our website: www.resverlogix.com

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 the potential role of apabetalone in countering vascular inflammation, the treatment of CVD, DM, chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease treated with hemodialysis, neurodegenerative disease, Fabry disease, PAH and Orphan 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 those discussed in our Annual Information Form and most recent MD&A which are incorporated herein by reference and are available through SEDAR at 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.