Rona Therapeutics' IND for Hypertension siRNA Drug RN1871 Approved by NMPA

Rona Therapeutics, a leading biotechnology firm in the field of RNA-targeted therapies, has announced a significant milestone. The company received approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China for its Investigational New Drug (IND) application concerning RN1871, a small interfering RNA (siRNA) drug. This innovation targets angiotensinogen (AGT), a pivotal protein in the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), which is crucial in blood pressure regulation.

RN1871 functions by interfering with and silencing the mRNA expression of AGT in the liver. This leads to a precise inhibition of the production of a key precursor protein within the RAAS. The overactivation of this pathway is closely associated with the development and progression of hypertension, a condition affecting over 1.5 billion individuals globally. Preclinical studies have shown that RN1871 can provide sustained control over blood pressure, marking it as a potentially significant therapeutic advancement for hypertension treatment.

Stella Shi, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Rona Therapeutics, highlighted the importance of this development. She emphasized that the IND approval is a crucial step forward in their quest to develop innovative treatments for chronic diseases. Utilizing siRNA technology, RN1871 can offer sustained efficacy with fewer doses, which is a major advantage in managing conditions like hypertension. Shi expressed optimism about introducing this treatment to the field, where there is a demand for more compliant and safe therapeutic options to mitigate cardiovascular events and related comorbidities.

Dr. Alex M. DePaoli, the Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President of Translational Medicine at Rona Therapeutics, also shared insights on the promising preclinical data of RN1871. The findings indicated significant AGT suppression, leading to reduced blood pressure levels while maintaining a favorable safety profile. The company intends to advance RN1871 into Phase I clinical trials to assess its safety, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy in human subjects. This step underscores Rona Therapeutics' capability to transform scientific breakthroughs into viable clinical treatments.

Rona Therapeutics is recognized as a global leader in the discovery and development of nucleic acid therapeutics. The company's focus is on treating cardiometabolic and neurological disorders. With an emphasis on siRNA drug innovation and differentiation, Rona Therapeutics aims to address unmet medical needs and enhance outcomes in cardiovascular diseases, obesity, MASH, and neurological conditions. The company's approach includes both hepatic and extra-hepatic delivery of their proprietary siRNA drugs, showcasing their commitment to advancing therapeutic solutions in these areas.

This development reflects Rona Therapeutics' dedication to pioneering treatments that leverage cutting-edge RNA technologies. The approval of RN1871 represents a hopeful advancement in the ongoing battle against hypertension and its associated health risks, offering new possibilities for effective and safe management of this widespread condition.