Phase 1b Multiple Ascending Dose (MAD) Study Initiated

RGLS8429 in healthy volunteers was well-tolerated with dose-proportional PK

Topline data from first cohort of patients with ADPKD anticipated in 1H 2023

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Regulus Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: RGLS), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines targeting microRNAs (the "Company" or "Regulus"), today announced positive topline safety and PK data from its Phase 1 SAD clinical trial of RGLS8429. Additionally, the Company announced the initiation of its Phase 1b MAD clinical trial of RGLS8429.

Summary of Results from Phase 1 SAD Study

The Phase 1 SAD study demonstrated that RGLS8429 has a favorable safety and PK profile.  RGLS8429 was well-tolerated with no serious adverse events reported. Among the 32 subjects treated with RGLS8429 or placebo, there were nine adverse events all of which were mild, except one (sinus infection) which was graded moderate in severity.  Preliminary results suggest plasma exposure is dose proportional across the four doses tested and compare favorably to the PK data from the first-generation compound, RGLS4326.

Phase 1b MAD Study Initiated

The phase 1b MAD study is a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in patients with ADPKD.  The primary objectives of the MAD study are to assess safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of RGLS8429 and to evaluate the efficacy of RGLS8429 treatment across three different dose levels, including changes in polycystins, cystic kidney volume (htTKV), and overall kidney function. The first planned dose level to be tested in patients with ADPKD is 1 mg/kg dosed every other week for three months. Topline data from the first cohort of patients is expected in 1H 2023. 

More information about the MAD clinical trial is available at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05521191).

"The safety and PK data generated in our Phase 1 SAD trial are highly encouraging and allow us the flexibility to use a range of dose levels as we explore the safety and efficacy of RGLS8429 in the Phase 1b MAD study," said Jay Hagan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Regulus Therapeutics. "We are excited about the initiation of the MAD study, and we look forward to presenting top line data from the first cohort of patients in the first half of 2023."

About ADPKD

Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD), caused by mutations in the PKD1 or PKD2 genes, is among the most common human monogenic disorders and a leading cause of end-stage renal disease. The disease is characterized by the development of multiple fluid filled cysts primarily in the kidneys, and to a lesser extent in the liver and other organs. Excessive kidney cyst cell proliferation, a central pathological feature, ultimately leads to end-stage renal disease in approximately 50% of ADPKD patients by age 60. Approximately 160,000 individuals are diagnosed with the disease in the United States alone, with an estimated global prevalence of 4 to 7 million.

About RGLS8429

RGLS8429 is a novel, next generation oligonucleotide for the treatment of ADPKD designed to inhibit miR-17 and to preferentially target the kidney. Administration of RGLS8429 has shown robust data in preclinical models, where clear improvements in kidney function, size, and other measures of disease severity have been demonstrated along with a superior pharmacologic profile in preclinical studies compared to Regulus' first-generation compound.

About Regulus

Regulus Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: RGLS) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines targeting microRNAs. Regulus has leveraged its oligonucleotide drug discovery and development expertise to develop a pipeline complemented by a rich intellectual property estate in the microRNA field. Regulus maintains its corporate headquarters in San Diego, CA.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this presentation regarding matters that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements associated with the Company's RGLS8429 program, including the expected timing for initiating clinical studies, the expected timing for reporting topline data, and the timing and future occurrence of other preclinical and clinical activities. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Words such as "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intends," "will," "goal," "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon Regulus' current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks associated with the process of discovering, developing and commercializing drugs that are safe and effective for use as human therapeutics and in the endeavor of building a business around such drugs, and the risk additional toxicology data may be negative. In addition, while Regulus expects the COVID-19 pandemic to adversely affect its business operations and financial results, the extent of the impact on Regulus' ability to achieve its preclinical and clinical development objectives and the value of and market for its common stock, will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence at this time, such as the ultimate duration of the pandemic, travel restrictions, quarantines, social distancing and business closure requirements in the U.S. and in other countries, and the effectiveness of actions taken globally to contain and treat the disease. These and other risks are described in additional detail in Regulus' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the "Risk Factors" heading of Regulus most recently quarterly report on Form 10-Q. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Regulus undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

SOURCE Regulus Therapeutics Inc.