Regulus Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company leading the discovery and development of innovative medicines targeting microRNAs, has advanced its orphan disease portfolio with the nomination of its second microRNA candidate for clinical development, RG-012, an anti-miR targeting microRNA-21 (miR-21) for the treatment of Alport Syndrome, a life-threatening, genetic kidney disease with no approved therapy.

"The nomination of RG-012 as our second microRNA candidate for clinical development is a significant achievement on our 'Road to the Clinic' strategy," said Kleanthis G Xanthopoulos, Ph.D., president and CEO of Regulus. "This programme underscores Regulus' focus on orphan disease indications and we look forward to rapidly advancing and expanding our clinical portfolio of meaningful microRNA therapeutics."

RG-012 has a very favorable preclinical profile to date which Regulus believes supports clinical studies in man. RG-012 is a potent inhibitor of miR-21 in both in vitro and in vivo preclinical models. Subcutaneous administration of RG-012 has significantly decreased the rate of renal fibrosis and increased the lifespan of the mice up to 50 per cent in a mouse model of Alport Syndrome, which we believe is a good surrogate for the human disease. Regulus believes these preclinical survival results may translate to a similar increased lifespan in human patients. Moreover, RG-012 has been well tolerated to date with a favorable pharmacokinetic profile that supports the potential for a once/week dosing regimen.

Neil W Gibson,  Regulus' chief scientific officer added, "We believe that RG-012 may become a transformative treatment for patients with Alport Syndrome, a life-threatening, genetic disease with significant unmet medical need. We are currently performing additional preclinical studies and finalizing development plans for RG-012 and expect to enter clinical development in the first half of 2015."

Regulus is responsible for advancing RG-012 to proof-of-concept. At that stage of development, Regulus' strategic alliance partner, Sanofi, has an exclusive option exercisable after proof-of-concept to assume all costs, responsibilities and obligations for further development and commercialization of RG-012.  If Sanofi chooses to exercise its option on RG-012, Sanofi will reimburse Regulus for a significant portion of its preclinical and clinical development costs and will pay Regulus an option exercise fee. Regulus is eligible to receive development and commercialization milestone payments and will have an option to co-promote in the United States or receive royalty payments in the mid 10% to 20 per cent range.

Alport Syndrome is a genetic condition caused by mutations in the COL4A3, COL4A4, and COL4A5 genes that is characterized by kidney disease, hearing loss, and eye abnormalities. The mutated genes provide instructions for making one component of a protein called type IV collagen. This protein plays an important role in the kidneys, specifically in structures called glomeruli. Glomeruli are clusters of specialized blood vessels that remove water and waste products from blood and create urine. The kidneys become less able to function as this condition progresses, resulting in end-stage renal disease.

miR-21 is a 22-mer non-coding RNA that negatively regulates gene/networks and has been reported to be up-regulated in fibrotic kidney diseases in both animal models and human patients (Chau, B. N. et al. Sci Transl Med. 2012; Zhong X, et al. (2013) Diabetologia (2013).  Preclinical studies have demonstrated that treatment with an anti-miR-21 significantly attenuates chronic kidney disease progression. Mechanistic understanding of inhibition of miR-21 leading to anti-fibrotic efficacy continues to emerge and Regulus believes that continued development of RG-012 for the treatment of Alport Syndrome will contribute to the evolving understanding of targeting miR-21 for fibrotic conditions.