RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation, a biotechnology company developing the next generation of immuno-oncology therapeutics, announced that it was granted a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for the methods of use of sd-rxRNAs targeting Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) for the treatment or prevention of fibrotic disorders, including skin fibrosis (USPTO Patent #: 9,963,702 B2). This patent includes RXI-109 and its use in dermal scarring, for which the safety and efficacy was shown in a recent Phase 2 clinical trial with statistically significant outcomes for improved visual appearance for RXI-109 treated scar over control. The patent is set to expire in 2031.

"Robust clinical data and strong IP are key elements to successful pharmaceutical development and commercialisation," said Dr. Gerrit Dispersyn, chief development officer of RXi Pharmaceuticals. He added that, "Additional data on the results of our recent clinical study with RXI-109 in dermal scarring will be presented next week at the International Investigative Dermatology Conference. These data, in combination with the granting of this patent, supports RXi's ongoing discussions with potential partners for our Dermatology Franchise, including RXI-109."

RXi announced in January 2018 that it would exclusively focus on developing the next generation of immuno-oncology therapeutics based on its self-delivering RNAi therapeutic platform.  As such, it is actively seeking to partner or out-license both its Dermatology and Ophthalmology Franchises.