Rhizen Pharmaceuticals AG Presents Data on Its Differentiated PARP and DHODH Inhibitor Programs at AACR 2022

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Rhizen Pharmaceuticals AG (Rhizen), a Switzerland-based privately held, clinical-stage oncology & inflammation-focussed biopharmaceutical company, announced the release of data on its differentiated next-generation clinical-stage PARP (Poly ADP-Ribose Polymerase) and DHODH (DiHydro Orotate DeHydrogenase) inhibitor programs at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) 2022 Annual Meeting. Rhizen’s poster presentations describe the preclinical characterization and differentiated features of its novel PARP inhibitor (RP12146) and preclinical data supporting the broad positioning of its DHODH inhibitor (RP7214) in AML.

Rhizen had earlier indicated that its PARP program had demonstrated differentiated IND enabling preclinical safety. The additional preclinical data being presented at AACR 2022 suggests that this differentiated safety may be due to the lower bone marrow distribution of RP12146 and concomitantly lower haematological toxicity. “We believe RP12146’s safety differential has allowed us to progress through the dose escalation study more efficiently. Further, the emerging data from our ongoing phase 1 dose escalation study is encouraging & corroborative with robust target engagement and safety observed so far. We believe that this differentiation, as it translates more fully in the clinic, may allow us to explore the full potential of PARP inhibition across indications given RP12146’s potentially wide therapeutic window,” said Swaroop Vakkalanka, Founder & CEO of Rhizen Pharma.

Rhizen indicated that its DHODH inhibitor, RP7214 has robust activity as a single agent in inducing tumor volume & size reduction and differentiation of AML blasts consistent with its mechanism of action. RP7214 also potentiates the activity of standard of care AML agents such as cytarabine, venetoclax and azacytidine. Swaroop added that “We have initiated a phase 2 study to explore RP7214 in combination with azacytidine in relapsed/refractory AML, CMML and MDS patients. The potential of DHODH inhibition as a therapeutic modality in AML remains unfulfilled and we expect RP7214 can eventually realize that potential. We believe elderly patients who are ineligible for frontline chemotherapy and maintenance settings represent areas of unmet need that RP7214 can address.”

Details on Rhizen Pharma’s posters at AACR are as follows:

1. Abstract Number: 1762
   Title: Activity of RP7214, a novel, selective, and potent small molecule inhibitor of DHODH, in AML
   Session: Small Molecule Therapeutic Agents
   Poster Number: 5492

2. Abstract Number: 1766
   Title: Activity of RP12146, a novel, selective, and potent small molecule inhibitor of PARP 1/2, in solid tumors
   Session: Small Molecule Therapeutic Agents
   Poster Number: 5493

About Rhizen Pharmaceuticals AG.:

Rhizen Pharmaceuticals is an innovative, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel oncology & inflammation therapeutics. Since its establishment in 2008, Rhizen has created a diverse pipeline of proprietary drug candidates targeting several cancers and immune associated cellular pathways.

Rhizen has proven expertise in the PI3K modulator space with the discovery of our first PI3Kδ & CK1ε asset Umbralisib, that has been successfully developed & commercialized in MZL & FL by our licensing partner TG Therapeutics (TGTX) in USA. Rhizen is also developing Tenalisib, a unique dual PI3K-δ/γ & SIK3 inhibitor with a robust safety profile and promising activity in metastatic breast cancer and T-Cell lymphoma indications. Behind these assets, Rhizen has a deep oncology & inflammation pipeline spanning discovery to clinical development stages.

Rhizen is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. For additional information, please visit https://www.rhizen.com/

Safe Harbor

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements relating to the company and its business. Although the company believes its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, all statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release about future events are subject to (i) change without notice and (ii) factors beyond the company’s control. These statements may include, without limitation, any statements preceded by, followed by, or including words such as “target,” “believe,” “expect,” “aim,” “intend,” “may,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “will,” “can have,” “likely,” “should,” “would,” “could”, and other words and terms of similar meaning or the negative thereof. Forward-looking statements involve certain risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Readers should therefore not place undue reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. Except as required by law, the company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220409005006/en/