Reata is advancing AIMs optimized for use in CNS indications

AIMs for CNS Diseases

Reata is developing a series of orally available Antioxidant Inflammation Modulators (AIMs) that have been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier and achieve high concentrations in the central nervous system tissue following oral dosing. Like Reata’s other AIMs, these drugs promote the resolution of inflammation by restoring redox homeostasis in inflamed tissues. They are potent inducers of the transcription factor Nrf2, which controls production of over 250 antioxidant and detoxification enzymes in the cell. Activation of Nrf2 and production of antioxidant enzymes inhibits important pro-inflammatory transcription factors including NF-κB and STAT3. These biological pathways are implicated in a wide variety of CNS diseases, including multiple sclerosis and several neurodegenerative diseases.

Multiple Sclerosis Program
Several AIMs have shown outstanding activity in a number of validated animal models of multiple sclerosis. Based on the activity seen in these models, Reata plans to advance an AIM to clinical development for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Neurodegenerative Disease Program
The mechanism of action of the AIMs is now widely recognized as an attractive therapeutic strategy for treating a number of major neurodegenerative diseases. Preclinical studies have shown that AIMs have significant activity in animal models of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Lou Gehrig’s (ALS) diseases. One recently published study, by researchers at a leading academic institution, demonstrated neuroprotective activity of an AIM in a genetic model of Alzheimer’s disease. Based on these encouraging results, AIMs are undergoing evaluation as potential clinical candidates to treat neurodegenerative diseases.