Rhythm starts RM-131 Phase 2 clinical trial for treatment of chronic constipation

Rhythm announced today the initiation of an additional Phase 2 clinical trial for RM-131, the company's novel ghrelin agonist, for the treatment of chronic constipation. Ghrelin is a peptide hormone produced in the stomach that stimulates gastrointestinal motility.

"This is the first of two studies we plan to initiate this year to assess the efficacy and safety of RM-131 for the treatment of lower GI functional disorders," said Elizabeth Stoner , MD, Chief Development Officer of Rhythm. "This initial study will serve as the foundation for developing RM-131 with a priority for treating refractory constipation and potentially irritable bowel syndrome."

This Phase 2 trial is designed to evaluate the effects of RM-131 on symptoms and lower gastrointestinal (GI) function in patients with significant chronic constipation. The trial will assess both the efficacy and safety of RM-131 administered daily for two weeks and is expected to enroll approximately 48 patients. Michael Camilleri , M.D., a gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic, is the principal investigator for the study.

Rhythm has completed three Phase 1 clinical trials with RM-131 in both healthy volunteers and patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and a Phase 2 clinical trial of RM-131 is currently under way for the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis. The Phase 1 human clinical trials demonstrated potent effects of RM-131 on both upper and lower GI function, increasing both gastric emptying and lower GI transit with good tolerability. In one study conducted in healthy volunteers, multiple daily subcutaneous doses of RM-131 reduced colonic transit time by up to 54%— from approximately 42 hours in placebo subjects to approximately 18 hours (results presented at the American College of Gastroenterology 2012 Annual Scientific Meeting, October 22, 2012).

"Moderate and severe lower GI functional disorders are debilitating and highly prevalent," said Keith Gottesdiener , MD, CEO of Rhythm. "RM-131 has potent prokinetic activity that could improve GI function in patients who are not adequately treated with available therapies. In addition, there is a high incidence of patients with lower GI conditions who also have overlapping upper GI motility disorders, such as Parkinson's disease patients. We are excited about initiating this new Phase 2 study with RM-131 that complements the ongoing Phase 2 study in diabetic gastroparesis."