IRVING, TX - August 5, 2009 -- Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announces that its CEO, Warren Huff, presented a company overview on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at the BMO Capital Markets "9^th Annual Focus on Healthcare Conference" at 2:15 p.m., EST.  The event was held at the Millennium Broadway Hotel in New York, New York.

 

The presentation highlighted clinical data from the company's lead program, bordoxolone methyl, an orally available, first-in-class Antioxidant Inflammation Modulator (AIM) in Phase 2 development for chronic kidney disease (CKD).  The drug, also known as RTA 402, resolves inflammation by activating the antioxidant Nrf2 and addresses an unmet need for potent, oral anti-inflammatory agents.  Mr. Huff presented the results of the company’s two successfully completed Phase 2a studies, in which the drug produced an unprecedented improvement in kidney function in diabetics with advanced CKD, with dose- and time-dependent positive increases seen in the primary endpoint. 

 

Mr. Huff announced that a Phase 2b study in Stage 3b and 4 CKD patients is underway, and interim data from the study are scheduled to be available in the fourth quarter of 2009, with final data expected by the second quarter of 2010.  In addition, Mr. Huff’s overview contained partnering objectives for RTA 402 and upcoming milestones for the company, including a plan to enter additional AIMs into the clinic in the second half of 2010.

 

CKD is a progressive loss of kidney function over a period of months or years, which can be caused by a number of conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure.  As kidney disease gets worse, waste products can build to high levels in the blood and patients may develop complications like high blood pressure, anemia (low blood count), weak bones, poor nutritional health and nerve damage.  CKD also increases the risk of having heart and blood vessel disease.  As kidney disease progresses, it eventually leads to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.

 

 

Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on translating innovative science into breakthrough medicines for intractable diseases. Reata is the leader in discovering and developing novel anti-inflammatory drugs targeting Nrf2, which controls the body's production of antioxidant and detoxification enzymes and has been shown to protect against a broad range of diseases associated with inflammation and oxidative stress.  Reata is developing a portfolio of AIMs for a variety of inflammation-related diseases.  The company's most advanced program is in late-stage clinical development for the treatment of CKD, a progressive condition affecting more than 26 million Americans.  For more information, visit www.reatapharma.com.