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Resverlogix Publishes Data Confirming RVX-208';s Impact on Reverse Cholesterol Transport

^{Published on 2010-06-08 06:40:33 - Market Wire}
 

TSX Exchange Symbol: RVX

CALGARY, June 8 /CNW/ - Resverlogix ("Resverlogix" or the "Company") (TSX:RVX) is pleased to announce that it has collaborated with the Division of Cardiology at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI of the MUHC), to publish today in the Journal of American College of Cardiology (JACC), a report entitled 'RVX-208 A Small Molecule that Increases Apolipoprotein A-I and High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol In Vitro and In Vivo'. This peer reviewed manuscript contains important data that describes the successful results of many studies detailing the actions of RVX-208, an orally active novel small molecule for the treatment of atherosclerosis. Dr. Norman Wong, MD, FRCPC, Chief Scientific Officer of Resverlogix stated, "The scientific information contained in this seminal work provides key evidence that RVX-208 is positively impacting critical components of reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). These actions of RVX-208 to enhance RCT and thereby facilitate the removal of cholesterol from atherosclerotic lesions are believed to underlie the protective role of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) against cardiovascular disease (CVD)."

The manuscript in JACC concludes that RVX-208 successfully increases plasma Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) in addition to altering the biochemical properties, metabolism, and function of HDL. For more than three decades members of the cardiovascular research community have searched for ways to raise plasma levels of ApoA-I/HDL-C. One of the more desirable approaches is to use an orally active small molecule therapeutic. CVD is the leading cause of death in developed nations. In the USA alone, the annual cost in 2009 to the American health care system totaled $475.3 billion, according to the American Heart Association. The underlying cause of CVD is atherosclerosis or so called 'hardening of the arteries' due to the build up of cholesterol inside the plaques that line the wall of the arteries. While statin therapies are the current standard of care for CVD, their effects only prevent progression of the disease. In contrast, a novel therapy that targets ApoA-I/HDL-C to augment RCT has the potential to not only stabilize but possibly reverse atherosclerosis and thus reduce CVD risk beyond the actions of statins.

"The ability of RVX-208 to enhance cholesterol efflux is the first and most important step in reverse cholesterol transport, the process by which cholesterol is removed from the wall of the arteries. Our data show that RVX-208 stimulates the production Apolipoprotein A-I, the major protein component of HDL to trigger the formation of early HDL particles, (so called pre-beta HDL particles) which play the key role in removing cholesterol from cells; this, in turn raise the total mass of HDL-C. This change in HDL profile towards the early, or 'nascent' HDL particles is believed to be an important factor in promoting RCT," said Dr. Jacques Genest, MD, Professor, Faculty of Medicine at McGill University and Director of the Division of Cardiology at the Royal Victoria Hospital of the RI of the MUHC.

The first author in the JACC article is Ms. Dana Bailey who leads a team comprised of many scientific members of Resverlogix. This article is also available online through the electronic edition of the Journal of American College of Cardiology ([ www.onlinejacc.org ]). JACC is considered by many as the premiere journal in the field of clinical cardiology.

Resverlogix is also pleased to announce the publication of an additional peer reviewed journal article entitled "Stilbene Analogs as Inducers of ApoA-l Transcription." It appeared in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 2010, 45, 2018-2023, a leading publication devoted to topics in chemistry. The topic of this manuscript details the ability of novel compounds to stimulate ApoA-I gene transcription.

About RVX-208

RVX-208, a novel small molecule therapeutic that stimulates endogenous ApoA-I production, is a first in the class of new and emerging drug that is positioned to be one of the most promising for the treatment of atherosclerosis. To the Company's knowledge RVX-208 is the only small molecule that is specifically designed to increase ApoA-I production which in turn will raise HDL levels to enhance HDL functionality and thus augment RCT. Increased activity of this pathway enables cholesterol within atherosclerotic lesions to be transported from the arterial wall to the liver for excretion, thereby reduce and possibly reverse atherosclerosis.

About Resverlogix Corp.

Resverlogix Corp. is a leading biotechnology company engaged in the development of novel therapies for important global medical markets with significant unmet medical needs. The NexVas(TM) Plaque Regression program is the Company's primary focus which is to develop novel small molecules that enhance ApoA-I. These vital therapies address the burden of atherosclerosis and other important diseases such as Acute Coronary Syndrome, Diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, Peripheral Artery Disease and other vascular disorders. Resverlogix Corp.'s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:RVX). For further information please visit [ www.resverlogix.com ].

This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements as defined under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including our statements with respect research, development and commercialization of novel therapeutics that reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease including atherosclerosis, stable Coronary Artery Disease, Acute Coronary Syndrome and other vascular diseases. These forward-looking statements contained herein that are not based on historical fact, including without limitation statements containing the words "believes", "anticipates", "plans", "intends", "will", "should", "expects", "continue", "estimate", "forecasts" and other similar expressions. Our actual results, events or developments could be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We can give no assurance that any of the events or expectations will occur or be realized. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties including but not limited to those associated with the success of research and development programs, clinical trial programs including possible delays in patient recruitment, the regulatory approval process, competition, securing and maintaining corporate alliances, market acceptance of the Company's products, the availability of government and insurance reimbursements for the Company's products, the strength of intellectual property, financing capability, the potential dilutive effects of any financing, reliance on subcontractors and key personnel and additional risk factors discussed in other documents we file from time to time with securities authorities, which are available through SEDAR at [ www.sedar.com ]. Additionally, risks and uncertainties are discussed in detail in the January 31, 2010 MD&A. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement are made as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention and has no obligation or responsibility, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The TSX Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

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