RXi Pharmaceuticals reports positive results from 2 placebo-controlled double blind studies of RXI-109

RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation (OTCQB: RXII), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing innovative therapies addressing major unmet medical needs using RNA-targeted technologies, today announced the unblinded results of the first of their 2 placebo-controlled double blind studies in volunteers with their anti-scarring agent RXI-109, a proprietary sd-rxRNA® compound that has been shown in vitro and in animals to reduce mRNA for connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). Over-expression of this protein in wounds has been associated with abnormal scarring as seen in hypertrophic scars and keloids.

"Based on the animal data, we were confident that RXI-109 would not cause significant side effects or toxicities in this first study, and we are pleased to announce that confirmation today," said Dr. Geert Cauwenbergh , President and CEO of RXi Pharmaceuticals. He added that: "It is remarkable and a great outcome that we have also been able to get a good read-out on a key biomarker for scarring in this study. Indeed, almost 3 months after a single intradermal dose of RXI-109, histological comparisons between the drug- and placebo-treated sites in the volunteers showed that RXI-109 significantly reduced the expression of CTGF in the wound area in a dose dependent manner, suggesting a potent and long lasting effect on this key biomarker for abnormal scarring. We look forward to having the unblinded results of our second Phase 1 trial, with multiple doses of RXI-109, available for our Investor and Analyst Symposium  on July 12, 2013."