Clinical-stage biotechnology company Redx Pharma Plc (AIM: REDX) announced on Monday that it has presented preclinical data for RXC009, its recently nominated development candidate, at the American Society for Nephrology Annual Meeting.

RXC009 is a small molecule, highly potent and selective Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 (DDR1) inhibitor, with potential as a first-in-class treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD). The data supports RXC009's selectivity for DDR1, demonstrating a significant reduction in histological markers of inflammation and fibrosis in a murine model of kidney fibrosis. RXC009 has a favorable safety profile, positioning it for potential combination use.

Redx Pharma intends to partner its DDR program for further development while focusing on advancing its ROCK portfolio through clinical development. CKD affects 8% to 16% of the global population, with renal fibrosis being a final manifestation associated with high morbidity. Alport Syndrome, a rare inherited disease affecting less than 200,000 people in the US, is characterised by kidney damage and lacks specific approved treatments.

In addition to its lead fibrosis product candidate, zelasudil (RXC007) and the GI-targeted ROCK inhibitor RXC008, Redx Pharma's oncology product candidate RXC004 is expected to report anti-PD-1 combination Phase 2 data in H1 2024. RXC009, a DDR1 inhibitor, represents Redx Pharma's commitment to developing innovative therapeutics against challenging disease targets.