In June 2021, Redx Pharma dosed its first healthy volunteer in a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating the safety and phamacological profile of RXC007. Altogether, this investigational therapy is designed to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). According to Pulmonary Fibrosis News, data from the ongoing trial highlights how RXC007 seems to have a favorable safety profile.

RXC007

So what exactly is RXC007? According to Redx Pharma, RXC007 is:

An orally available, highly selective small molecule inhibitor that targets Rho Associated Coiled-Coil Containing Protein Kinase 2 (ROCK2) which sits at a nodal point in a cell signalling pathway, believed to be central to fibrosis. ROCK2 is therefore an important emerging drug target and RXC007 has the potential to treat several fibrotic diseases.

ROCK2 also has a related protein called ROCK1; inhibiting both at the same time can cause a number of health issues, such as a high heart rate and abnormally low blood pressure. Thus, RXC007 overcomes potential safety issues by only inhibiting the ROCK2 protein. 

In preclinical studies, RXC007 showed promise for treating IPF. Now, researchers are evaluating the treatment within a Phase 1 clinical trial. Altogether, 80 patients enrolled. Patients received 2-40mg RXC007. Some current findings include:

• Regardless of treatment dosage, no serious adverse reactions or safety issues have occurred.
• When taking 40mg RXC007, patients only require one daily dose.

In the future, Redx Pharma hopes to begin a Phase 2 clinical trial at some point in 2022. This trial will allow them to evaluate safety, efficacy, and tolerability (both as a singular treatment or in conjunction with other therapies). Additionally, researchers hope to understand how treatment impacts biomarkers and lung function.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is aptly named: the hardening or scarring of lung tissue due to an unknown cause. While doctors are not exactly sure what causes IPF, many believe that a potential genetic mutation increases susceptibility, while triggers such as dust inhalation, cigarette smoking, or viral infections may actually trigger the scarring to occur. The fibrosis causes difficulty breathing and prevents oxygenation of the bloodstream. Unfortunately, receiving an IPF diagnosis also means having a life expectancy of around 3-5 years. However, treatment advances could change this in the future. When symptoms appear, these include:

• Shortness of breath and/or difficulty breathing
• Clubbed fingers and toes
• A dry, hacking cough
• Muscle and joint pain
• Unintended weight loss
• Appetite loss
• Swelling of the legs
• Gastroesophageal reflux 
• Blood clots in the lungs