Resverlogix to run parallel Phase 2 studies of lead cardiovascular drug

Resverlogix (TSX:RVX) is planning the next two clinical studies of its lead cardiovascular drug in parallel as a way to accelerate development of RVX-208 and hopefully bring it to market sooner, CEO Donald McCaffrey told shareholders at the annual meeting.

They include a Phase 2 pilot intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) trial to examine early lipid effects and plaque of the coronary vessel wall in 60 acute coronary patients and a Phase 2 dose-ranging trial in 280 stable cardiovascular patients on standard of care therapy, including statins, to examine lipid changes.

“For the first time, we will now be able to assess RVX-208 effects on actual atherosclerosis plaque within the arterial wall of the heart vessels,” Mr. McCaffrey said, pointing to the IVUS trial. “This is a significant milestone for Resverlogix because it will provide the company with important coronary plaque data in late 2010.”

Start-up activities have begun in conjunction with the Cleveland Clinic and the IVUS Steering Committee, and first dosing of patients is expected in the first quarter of 2010.

The shares were trading at $2.75 on Friday morning.