XORTX to Present at American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week 2024

XORTX Therapeutics Inc., a late-stage clinical pharmaceutical company specializing in innovative treatments for progressive kidney disease, has announced the acceptance of an abstract submitted to the American Society of Nephrology (ASN). The abstract is titled "Xanthine oxidase in rats, mice and humans with polycystic kidney disease" and has been recognized for its scientific merit and novel discoveries. Conducted at the University of Colorado under the supervision of Dr. Charles Edelstein and sponsored by XORTX, the study will be presented at the ASN's annual Kidney Week 2024 event.

The research focuses on the xanthine oxidase (XO) enzyme, a key component in the uric acid pathway necessary for the breakdown of purine nucleotides. Uric acid and reactive oxygen species produced during this enzymatic process can negatively impact the circulatory system and tissues during disease. Recent findings in rodent models of polycystic kidney disease (PKD) suggest that XO overexpression or overactivity might be implicated. However, it remains uncertain whether this holds true for humans and if it contributes to the faster progression of PKD.

The study aimed to explore whether increased XO activity leads to cyst growth. XO activity was measured in PCK1 rats, PKD1RC/RC (RC) mice, and 34 patients from the HALT-PKD Clinical study. The study sought to understand serum xanthine oxidase activity (XOa) in PKD during different disease stages and its relationship to total kidney volume and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decline.

The findings provided insights into how aberrant purine metabolism in PKD tissue, due to XO enzyme sources, could influence circulating uric acid levels, kidney and cyst expansion rates, and functional GFR decline. Previous studies suggested that XO overexpression in PKD kidney tissue might be a characteristic of cystic disease. XORTX plans to provide further updates on the study outcomes in early November.

Dr. Allen Davidoff, CEO of XORTX, expressed satisfaction with presenting these pioneering studies at the American Society of Nephrology's annual meeting. He emphasized that the study's results enhance the understanding of how increased serum uric acid or abnormal kidney tissue expression of XO could worsen PKD, using data from mouse, rat, and human studies. The XRx-008 program continues to advance knowledge on the health consequences of excessive or overly active xanthine oxidase in PKD.

The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) represents over 21,000 kidney health professionals dedicated to supporting individuals with kidney diseases. The annual Kidney Week Conference, attended by around 10,000 kidney experts worldwide, offers a platform to exchange knowledge, learn about the latest scientific and medical advancements, and engage in discussions with field experts.

Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) affects over 10 million people globally. It is typically diagnosed by the expansion of fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, which over time lead to structural and functional changes, often accompanied by chronic pain. The growth of cysts compresses surrounding healthy tissue, leading to further kidney function loss, fibrosis, impaired nutrient exchange, and eventually end-stage renal disease. High uric acid levels in ADPKD patients have been linked to increased kidney stones and gout. Treatment for progressing ADPKD includes anti-hypertensive therapy, dietary restrictions, and pharmacotherapy for a limited number of suitable patients. There is a pressing need for new, broadly applicable therapies to slow kidney function decline in ADPKD.

XORTX Therapeutics Inc. is developing two clinically advanced products: XRx-008 for ADPKD and XRx-101 for acute kidney and organ injury related to COVID-19. Additionally, XRx-225 is in pre-clinical development for Type 2 Diabetic Nephropathy. XORTX aims to advance its clinical development stage products targeting aberrant purine metabolism and xanthine oxidase to reduce uric acid production, enhancing the quality of life and future health of patients.