Resverlogix progresses inflammation program

Canadian biotechnology firm Resverlogix says that it has made significant advancement in its R&D program for inflammatory diseases.  Two new patent applications have been filed for novel compounds and  their use in regulating inflammatory markers, the proteins generated by  the body during periods of inflammation. These patents were filed based  on the successful results demonstrated in numerous preclinical studies  across several disease areas. The particular results achieved in the  collagen-induced arthritis model in rats demonstrated that Resverlogix'  proprietary molecules markedly reduced inflammation while improving  mobility of arthritic animals.

Donald McCaffrey, chief executive, says that "the company has identified  several molecules that have the potential for disease-modifying effects  in inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Resverlogix' R&D  team is continuing to examine the various disease indications in  inflammation which would have the greatest potential impact for both  patients and payer groups."

A significant unmet medical need exists for safe, effective and  economical therapies for specific inflammation markets. For example, the  firm notes, a small-molecule drug for rheumatoid arthritis is estimated  to range in price from $180 to $6,000 per person per annum. A biologic,  or large-molecule drug, can cost in the order of $13,000 to $30,000 a  person a year. In 2007, the global market for rheumatoid arthritis alone  was estimated to be in excess of $11.0 billion a year and is expected to  grow to $27.0 billion by the year 2015. These important markets require  novel therapies to reduce pain and symptoms in a cost efficient manner.  Resverlogix' novel small molecules have illustrated early potential to  fill this important gap, the company claims.