RXC006 (Porcupine inhibitor, AZD5055)
Licensed to AstraZeneca, August 2020
Licensed to AstraZeneca August 2020, currently in Phase 1
About RXC006
Porcupine is a novel drug target that aims to address the issue of high unmet need in fibrosis and is a key enzyme in the Wnt signalling pathway. Aberrant Wnt signalling is involved in fibrogenesis, and inhibition of Wnt signalling is likely to prevent several mechanisms important for fibrotic disease progression. Current treatments for fibrosis provide limited benefit and there is an urgent need to develop new therapies to treat fibrotic conditions. Recent publications have shown that Porcupine inhibitors are effective in preclinical models and could be beneficial in the treatment of fibrotic indications, including renal, heart, lung and skin conditions.
RXC006/AZD5055 is a potent, selective, oral small molecule inhibitor of the enzyme, Porcupine, a key activator of Wnt-ligands in the Wnt signalling pathway. Our scientists have demonstrated that RXC006/AZD5055 potently inhibits Porcupine, resulting in striking anti-fibrotic effects in animal models of kidney, liver and lung fibrosis. RXC006/AZD5055 was nominated as a candidate for development in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. RXC006/AZD5055 is from a different chemical series to our lead oncology asset, RXC004, and is protected by a separate composition of matter patent. Following the licensing agreement, AstraZeneca has full responsibility for the clinical development of RXC006/AZD5055.
Licensed to AstraZeneca August 2020, currently in Phase 1
About RXC006
Porcupine is a novel drug target that aims to address the issue of high unmet need in fibrosis and is a key enzyme in the Wnt signalling pathway. Aberrant Wnt signalling is involved in fibrogenesis, and inhibition of Wnt signalling is likely to prevent several mechanisms important for fibrotic disease progression. Current treatments for fibrosis provide limited benefit and there is an urgent need to develop new therapies to treat fibrotic conditions. Recent publications have shown that Porcupine inhibitors are effective in preclinical models and could be beneficial in the treatment of fibrotic indications, including renal, heart, lung and skin conditions.
RXC006/AZD5055 is a potent, selective, oral small molecule inhibitor of the enzyme, Porcupine, a key activator of Wnt-ligands in the Wnt signalling pathway. Our scientists have demonstrated that RXC006/AZD5055 potently inhibits Porcupine, resulting in striking anti-fibrotic effects in animal models of kidney, liver and lung fibrosis. RXC006/AZD5055 was nominated as a candidate for development in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. RXC006/AZD5055 is from a different chemical series to our lead oncology asset, RXC004, and is protected by a separate composition of matter patent. Following the licensing agreement, AstraZeneca has full responsibility for the clinical development of RXC006/AZD5055.
In August 2020, Redx Pharma signed a significant out licensing agreement for our porcupine inhibitor, RXC006 (now AZD5055), with AstraZeneca. AstraZeneca will take RXC006/AZD5055 forward into clinical development, targeting fibrotic diseases including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Thus far, Redx has received $17 million in upfront and early milestone payments following the progression of RXC006/AZD5055 into Phase 1 trials in 2021. In addition, Redx is eligible to receive further development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments throughout the course of the programme should it successfully reach these milestones. Redx is also eligible for tiered royalties of mid-single digit percentages, based on any future net sales.
Read the press releaseFibrotic diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis have significant impact on patients’ lives and new therapies are urgently needed. We look forward to progressing this porcupine inhibitor into clinical trials as a novel approach to suppress Wnt signalling and potentially modify fibrotic disease processes.