Presented a poster on the path to creating RGLS8429 at the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society Annual
Meeting: The poster, Deciphering and overcoming off-target AMPAR inhibition of anti-miR oligonucleotide RGLS4326, outlined the Companys transition from the previous generation molecule
RGLS4326 to current compound RGLS8429 after the nonclinical observation of dose-limiting central nervous system (CNS)-related toxicity during chronic toxicity studies. By switching the 3terminus guanine with adenine, Regulus
next-generation anti-miR-17, RGLS8429, was devoid of off-target AMPA-receptor interaction and CNS toxicity while preserving the
potency against the on-target miR-17. These findings show the effect certain nucleobase changes can have on the overall profile of an oligonucleotide and support the
clinical development of RGLS8429.
Entered into a Patent & Technology License Agreement (the UTSW Agreement) with
The Board of Regents of The University of Texas System on behalf of The University of Texas at Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW). The agreement grants the Company UTSWs rights in jointly-owned patent rights on products
targeting miR-17 for the treatment of ADPKD. Under this agreement, Regulus acquired an exclusive, royalty-bearing, worldwide license, with rights to sublicense rights including the ability to manufacture,
distribute, use, import, market and sell products under the patent (Patent Rights). An additional non-exclusive, royalty-bearing, worldwide license granted under this agreement granted the Company
rights in technical information, know-how, processes, and other similar technological rights needed to fulfil the Patent Rights. In exchange for the rights acquired in the agreement, the Company agreed to pay
an upfront license fee equal to $62,500 plus the reimbursement of certain patent expenses incurred by UTSW. In addition, the Company agreed to make to UTSW specified payments upon the achievement of certain clinical, regulatory and commercial
milestones.
Financial Results
Cash, Cash
Equivalents and Marketable Securities: As of September 30, 2024, Regulus had $87.3 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments.
Research and Development (R&D) Expenses: Research and development expenses were $11.3 million and $25.7 million for the three and nine
months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, compared to $5.5 million and $15.4 million for the same periods in 2023, respectively. These amounts reflect internal and external costs associated with advancing our clinical and
preclinical pipeline.
General and Administrative (G&A) Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $3.9 million and
$10.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, compared to $2.6 million and $7.4 million for the same periods in 2023, respectively. These amounts reflect personnel-related and ongoing general
business operating costs.
Net Loss: Net loss was $14.1 million, or $0.21 per share (basic and diluted), and $33.6 million, or $0.63
per share (basic and diluted), for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $7.8 million, or $0.40 per share (basic and diluted), and $22.0 million, or $1.19 per share (basic and
diluted), for the same periods in 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.