Overview

Reata Pharmaceuticals was founded in 2002 and is on a mission to translate innovative science into breakthrough medicines for serious and difficult to treat diseases.  Reata is the leader in developing a novel class of oral anti-inflammatory drugs, Antioxidant Inflammation Modulators (AIMs), which are potent activators of the biological transcription factor Nrf2.  Nrf2 controls the body's production of hundreds of antioxidants and is associated with protection against a broad range of diseases of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Reata's lead product, bardoxolone methyl, has been shown in Phase 2 studies to significantly increase estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and improve several other markers of kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).  CKD commonly occurs in patients with diabetes and hypertension.  The disease affects more than 26 million Americans, including more than 450,000 patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). CKD is a serious and progressive condition that ultimately leads to the need for dialysis or transplant and is also associated with a dramatic increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Bardoxolone methyl was advanced to a global Phase 3 study in patients with advanced CKD and type 2 diabetes in 2011.  The primary endpoint the study will measure is time to either ESRD, defined by the need for dialysis or renal transplant, or cardiovascular death.

Behind this lead program, Reata is developing a portfolio of second-generation AIMs for additional diseases of inflammation and oxidative stress.  Beyond kidney disease, a large body of literature has demonstrated activity of Reata's AIMs in models of autoimmune, respiratory, cardiovascular, metabolic and CNS diseases as well as organ transplant.