Redx announced preclinical data for RXC009, a recently nominated development candidate from its Discoidin Domain Receptor (DDR) programme, was presented at the American Society for Nephrology (ASN) Annual Meeting (2-5 November 2023, Philadelphia, US). RXC009, a small molecule, orally available, highly potent and selective DDR1 inhibitor, was nominated as a development candidate in October 2023 and has potential to be a first-in-class treatment option for chronic kidney disease (CKD) including kidney fibrosis associated with CKD as seen in Alport Syndrome. RXC009 have recently gained traction as druggable targets with the potential to treat multiple fibrotic conditions, however to date, no selective inhibitors of DDR1 have entered the clinic.

RXC009 demonstrated excellent selectivity for DDR1 compared to other disclosed DDR inhibitors when tested against kinase and other target panels with limited off-target pharmacology. In a therapeutic unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) murine model of kidney fibrosis, RXC009 treatment resulted in a significant reduction in histological markers of both inflammation and fibrosis. Target engagement was also demonstrated in this model with a 72% reduction in phospho-DDR1 (p-DDR1).

RXC009 has a favourable absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) and safety profile with a Drug-Drug Interaction (DDI) assessment completed confirming its suitability for potential use in combination. These data further validate the hypothesis that selective inhibition of DDR1 represents an attractive approach for investigation towards the development of new treatments for CKD and taken collectively, supports progressing RXC009 into IND-enabling studies.