Redx ROCK2 inhibitors poster to be presented

REDX PHARMA PLC

("Redx" or "the Company")

Redx ROCK2 inhibitors poster to be presented at the ASN Kidney Week 2018 in San Diego

Alderley Park, 22 October 2018 Redx (AIM: REDX), the drug development company focused on cancer and fibrosis, is pleased to announce that the Company's poster, entitled 'ROCK2 inhibitors for the treatment of chronic kidney disease' will be presented at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week 2018 in San Diego, CA, on 25 October 2018 from 10:00am to 12:00pm.

The title, timing and location of the poster presentation is as follows:

The full abstract of the presentation can be found below and here: https://www.asn-online.org/education/kidneyweek/2018/program-abstract.aspx?controlId=3014989

BACKGROUND

The Rho Associated Coiled-Coil Containing Protein Kinase (ROCK) serine/threonine kinases, ROCK1 and ROCK2, are central signalling proteins that regulate a range of cellular responses such as cell migration, contraction, proliferation, cytokine and growth factor expression, and integrin-mediated cell-to-cell adhesions. These processes are central to the aberrant wound healing response that can progress to chronic injury and organ fibrosis. Small molecule pan-ROCK inhibitors have been shown to be anti-fibrotic in a range of animal models including: bleomycin induced lung fibrosis, high fat diet induced liver fibrosis and models of kidney fibrosis. However, ROCK signalling is also involved in regulating vascular tone and pan-ROCK inhibitors have been shown to cause hyperaemia and hypotension, limiting their use in patients. There is significant homology between the ROCK1 and ROCK2 isoforms however there is evidence that ROCK2 has additional roles distinct from ROCK1 in both inflammation and wound healing. For example, ROCK2 is upregulated in diabetic kidney disease and in the diseased vascular network of patients at risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

Redx have developed a series of potent ROCK2 inhibitors, that are highly selective against ROCK1 and a panel of 468 kinases.

RESULTS

Redx ROCK2 selective compounds potently suppress the release of pro-fibrotic factors from kidney mesangial cells, cultured in high glucose. In a model of acute kidney injury, our selective ROCK2 tool compound reduced podocyte damage, and the expression of inflammatory and profibrotic genes in the kidney.

In addition, in a telemetered rat study, no significant reduction in blood pressure or increase in heart rate was recorded, indicating that a selective ROCK2 inhibitor could avoid these side-effects typically observed with pan-ROCK inhibitors and increase the safety window at efficacious doses.

CONCLUSION

Highly selective ROCK2 inhibitors, therefore, could provide a novel and effective therapy for patients with progressive kidney fibrosis who currently have few and largely ineffective therapy options.

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About Redx Pharma Plc 

Redx is a UK biotechnology company whose shares are traded on AIM (AIM:REDX). Redx's vision is to become a leading biotech focused on the development of novel precision medicines that have the potential to transform treatment in oncology and fibrotic diseases.

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