Myotonic Disorders

Biomarker cohort for delpacibart braxlosiran (del-brax), the first potential therapy to target DUX4, is measuring changes in DUX4 regulated biomarkers; del-brax 2 mg/kg will be administered every six weeks Enrollment in the del-brax biomarker cohort expected to be completed in 1H 2025; on track to initiate del-brax functional cohort in 1H 2025In previously reported initial data, del-brax 2 mg/kg every six weeks showed unprecedented and consistent reductions of DUX4 regulated genes, significant decreases in novel circulating biomarker and creatine kinase, and trends of functional improvement at the four-month timepoint SAN DIEGO, Oct. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Avidity Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: RNA), a biopharmaceutical company committed to delivering a new class of RNA therapeutics called Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs™), today announced the initiation of a biomarker cohort in the Phase 1/2 FORTITUDE™ trial of delpacibart braxlosiran (del-brax/AOC 1020) in people living with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Avidity is pursuing a potential accelerated approval path for del-brax and expects enrollment in the biomarker cohort to be completed in the first half of 2025. Avidity also remains on track to initiate a functional cohort in the first half of 2025. In addition, enrollment of the FORTITUDE Open-label Extension study (OLE) is ongoing. Continue Reading (PRNewsfoto/Avidity Biosciences, Inc.) Del-brax is the first investigational therapy designed to treat the underlying cause of FSHD by directly targeting the disease-causing gene, double homeobox 4 (DUX4). Currently, there are no approved therapies for the treatment of FSHD, a rare, hereditary disorder marked by life-long, relentless loss of muscle function, significant pain, fatigue, and progressive disability. "The initiation of the biomarker cohort marks a key step in our strategy to pursue a potential accelerated approval path for del-brax, the first potential treatment to directly target the root cause of FSHD," said Steve Hughes, M.D., chief medical officer at Avidity. "We are very pleased with the del-brax 2 mg/kg data which showed unprecedented and consistent reductions of DUX4-regulated genes, significant decreases in novel circulating biomarker and creatine kinase, and trends of functional improvement with favorable safety and tolerability at the four-month timepoint. We are advancing our clinical studies for del-brax as quickly as possible as we understand the urgency to bring a potential new treatment to people living with FSHD who have no treatment options." The biomarker cohort in the FORTITUDE trial will assess the impact of del-brax 2 mg/kg every six weeks in people living with FSHD, ages 16-70. The primary endpoints of the study are changes in DUX4 regulated gene expression and DUX4 regulated circulating biomarker. For people living with FSHD it is important to maintain suppression of DUX4 at all times as aberrant gene expression is toxic to the muscles. Favorable safety and tolerability, as well as decreases in circulating biomarker and creatine kinase levels were similar for patients treated with 2mg/kg or 4mg/kg of del-brax. Due to this similarity, Avidity selected 2 mg/kg of del-brax to be administered every six weeks, designed to ensure continuous suppression of DUX4 for the biomarker and functional cohorts. In June of this year, Avidity reported positive initial del-brax 2 mg/kg data at four months from the Phase 1/2 FORTITUDE trial demonstrating unprecedented and consistent reductions of greater than 50% in DUX4 regulated genes, mean reductions of 25% or greater in novel circulating biomarker and creatine kinase, trends of functional improvement, and favorable safety and tolerability in people living with FSHD at the 31st Annual FSHD Society International Research Congress. About the Phase 1/2 FORTITUDE™ trial The FORTITUDE™ trial is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, Phase 1/2 clinical trial designed to evaluate single and multiple doses of delpacibart braxlosiran or del-brax (AOC 1020) in approximately 100 participants with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). FORTITUDE will evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of del-brax administered intravenously. Activity of del-brax will be assessed using key biomarkers, including DUX4-regulated muscle and circulating biomarkers and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of muscle volume and composition. Though the Phase 1/2 trial is not statistically powered to assess functional benefit, it will explore the clinical activity of del-brax including measures of mobility and muscle strength as well as patient reported outcomes and quality of life measures. Participants will have the option to enroll in FORTITUDE-OLE, an open-label extension study once participation in the FORTITUDE study is complete. For more information about the FORTITUDE trial, visit the FORTITUDE study website or visit and search for NCT05747924. About the Phase 2 FORTITUDE-OLE™ trial FORTITUDE-OLE™ is an open-label, multi-center trial designed to evaluate the long-term safety and tolerability of delpacibart braxlosiran or del-brax (AOC 1020) in participants with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) who were previously enrolled in the FORTITUDE Phase 1/2 trial. This trial will continue to evaluate the safety, tolerability, PK, PD, and efficacy of del-brax in participants that enrolled in the randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase 1/2 FORTITUDE clinical trial. Participants who enroll in the FORTITUDE-OLE study will receive del-brax regardless of whether they received active treatment or placebo in the FORTITUDE study. The total duration of active treatment with del-brax in the FORTITUDE-OLE is approximately 24 months. Avidity may extend active treatment beyond 24 months at a future timepoint. For more information on the FORTITUDE-OLE study click here or visit and search for NCT06547216. About Del-brax (AOC 1020) Del-brax (AOC 1020) is designed to treat the underlying cause of FSHD, which is caused by the abnormal expression of a gene called double homeobox 4 or DUX4. The abnormal expression of DUX4 protein leads to changes in gene expression in muscle cells that are associated with the life-long, progressive loss of muscle function in patients with FSHD. Del-brax aims to reduce the expression of DUX4 mRNA and DUX4 protein in muscles in people with FSHD. Del-brax consists of a proprietary monoclonal antibody that binds to the transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) conjugated with a siRNA targeting DUX4 mRNA. Avidity reported positive initial del-brax 2 mg/kg data at four months from the Phase 1/2 FORTITUDE trial demonstrating unprecedented and consistent reductions of greater than 50% in DUX4 regulated genes, trends of functional improvement, and favorable safety and tolerability in people living with FSHD. Del-brax is currently in Phase 1/2 development as part of the FORTITUDE™ trial in individuals with FSHD. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have granted Orphan designation for del-brax and the FDA has granted del-brax Fast Track designation. About Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD) Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a rare, progressive, and variable hereditary muscle-weakening condition marked by life-long, relentless loss of muscle function, significant pain, fatigue, and progressive disability. It is characterized by progressive and often asymmetric skeletal muscle loss that initially causes weakness in muscles in the face, shoulders, arms and trunk and progresses to weakness in muscles in the lower body. FSHD is an autosomal dominant disease caused by the aberrant expression of the DUX4 (double homeobox 4) gene in the skeletal muscle, which activates genes that are toxic to muscle cells and leads to a series of downstream events that result in skeletal muscle wasting and compromised muscle function. Skeletal muscle weakness results in physical limitations throughout the whole body, including an inability to lift arms for more than a few seconds, loss of ability to show facial expressions and serious speech impediments. These symptoms cause many people affected by FSHD to become dependent on the use of a wheelchair for mobility. Currently, there are no approved treatments for people living with FSHD. About Avidity Avidity Biosciences, Inc.'s mission is to profoundly improve people's lives by delivering a new class of RNA therapeutics - Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs™). Avidity is revolutionizing the field of RNA with its proprietary AOCs, which are designed to combine the specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the precision of oligonucleotide therapies to address targets and diseases previously unreachable with existing RNA therapies. Utilizing its proprietary AOC platform, Avidity demonstrated the first-ever successful targeted delivery of RNA into muscle and is leading the field with clinical development programs for three rare muscle diseases: myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Avidity is broadening the reach of AOCs with its advancing and expanding pipeline including programs in cardiology and immunology through internal discovery efforts and key partnerships. Avidity is headquartered in San Diego, CA. For more information about our AOC platform, clinical development pipeline and people, please visit and engage with us on LinkedIn and X. Forward-Looking Statements Avidity cautions readers that statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the company's current beliefs and expectations. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the primary endpoints, design, goals and other details related to the FORTITUDE™ trial and each of its cohorts; the status and clinical development of del-brax, including any potential accelerated approval; Avidity's plans for the FORTITUDE-OLE™ study and the timing thereof; the characterization of safety, tolerability and functional data associated with del-brax from the Phase 1/2 FORTITUDE trial; the impact of such data on the advancement of del-brax; the plans and timing of adding a functional cohort for the FORTITUDE trial and the biomarker and functional cohorts potentially serving as the basis for registration; the potential of Avidity's product candidates to treat rare diseases and Avidity's efforts to bring them to people suffering from applicable diseases; and the potential of AOCs to target a range of different cells and tissues beyond the liver, and to treat cardiac and immunological diseases. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Avidity that any of these plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ from those set forth in this press release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in Avidity's business and those beyond its control, including, without limitation: preliminary results of a clinical trial are not necessarily indicative of final results and additional participant data related to del-brax that continues to become available may be inconsistent with the data produced as of the date hereof, and further analysis of existing data and analysis of new data may lead to conclusions different from those established as of the data cutoff; unexpected adverse side effects to, or inadequate efficacy of, Avidity's product candidates that may delay or limit their development, regulatory approval and/or commercialization, or may result in clinical holds which may not be timely lifted, recalls or product liability claims; Avidity's current and planned cohorts in the FORTITUDE trial may not support the registration of del-brax; Avidity is early in its development efforts; Avidity's approach to the discovery and development of product candidates based on its AOC platform is unproven, and the company does not know whether it will be able to develop any products of commercial value; potential delays in the commencement, enrollment, data readouts and completion of preclinical studies or clinical trials; Avidity's dependence on third parties in connection with preclinical and clinical testing and product manufacturing; regulatory developments in the United States and foreign countries; and other risks described in Avidity's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 28, 2024, and in subsequent filings with the SEC. Avidity cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that arise after the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, which is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investor Contact: Michael MacLean (619) 837-5014 [email protected] Media Contact: Navjot Rai (619) 837-5016 [email protected] SOURCE Avidity Biosciences, Inc. WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

- New data on povetacicept 80 mg SC Q4 weeks in IgA nephropathy shows mean UPCR reduction from baseline of 66% observed at 48 weeks, associated with stable renal function (eGFR) and 63% achieving clinical remission -- - First proteinuria data on povetacicept in primary membranous nephropathy shows mean UPCR reduction from baseline of 62% at 24 weeks – - Global Phase 3 RAINIER trial of povetacicept in IgA nephropathy now underway – – Enrollment and dosing ongoing in Phase 3 portion of the global Phase 2/3 pivotal clinical trial of inaxaplin for the treatment of APOL1-mediated kidney disease – BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: VRTX) today provided updates on multiple kidney diseases in its pipeline including IgA nephropathy (IgAN), primary membranous nephropathy (pMN), and APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD). These updates demonstrate the transformative potential of Vertex’s investigational therapies in multiple serious kidney diseases, and include positive new data on povetacicept, a dual inhibitor of the BAFF and APRIL pathways, in IgAN and pMN, presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s (ASN) Kidney Week Congress on October 23-27 in San Diego, California. “We are very pleased with the broadening of our innovative pipeline in renal medicine which now spans programs in AMKD, IgAN, pMN and polycystic kidney disease,” said Carmen Bozic, M.D., Executive Vice President, Global Medicines Development and Medical Affairs, and Chief Medical Officer at Vertex. “The new data in IgAN and pMN we shared at this year’s ASN congress continue to reinforce povetacicept as a potential best-in-class therapy and demonstrate its potential as a pipeline-in-a-product. We also continue to make progress in AMKD and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) where we are advancing the first potential treatments to address the underlying cause of these diseases.” Povetacicept in IgAN Vertex presented data on 54 patients with IgAN who received povetacicept 80 mg or 240 mg subcutaneously every 4 weeks (SC Q4W). Treatment with povetacicept 80 mg SC Q4W demonstrated a clinically meaningful decrease in proteinuria, with a mean 66% reduction from baseline in urine protein to creatinine ratio at 48 weeks (UPCR; n=8) associated with stable renal function over 48 weeks as assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). By 48 weeks, 63% (5 out of 8) of study participants achieved clinical remission, defined as UPCR 50% reduction in UPCR from baseline. Anti-PLA2R1 autoantibodies, which are a marker of disease activity and associated with clinical outcomes, decreased from baseline by a mean of 87% at week 20. Povetacicept was well tolerated in patients with pMN, with AEs that were mild or moderate in severity. There were no SAEs related to povetacicept. A poster presentation #TH-PO589 entitled “Updated Results with Povetacicept, an Enhanced Dual BAFF/APRIL Antagonist, in Primary Membranous Nephropathy (RUBY-3 Study)” was presented during the poster session on October 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PDT. AMKD Vertex is developing inaxaplin, a potential first-in-class, investigational, oral small molecule inhibitor of APOL1, with the goal of targeting the underlying cause of AMKD. Enrollment and dosing are ongoing in the Phase 3 portion of the global Phase 2/3 pivotal AMPLITUDE clinical trial of inaxaplin. Vertex has the following AMKD poster presentations at ASN: Poster presentation #TH-P01203 entitled “AMPLITUDE: A Phase 2/3 Adaptive Trial of Inaxaplin in APOL1-mediated Kidney Disease” was presented during the poster session on October 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PDT. Poster presentation #SA-PO701 entitled “Small Molecule APOL1 Channel Inhibitor Reduces Proteinuria, Rescues Podocyte Injury, and Reverses eGFR Decline in an APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease Mouse Model” will be presented during the poster session on October 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PDT. Poster presentation #SA-PO700 entitled “Small Molecule Inhibition of APOL1 Channel Activity Protects Podocytes from Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Cell Death and Barrier Disruption Induced by APOL1 Risk Variants” will be presented during the poster session on October 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PDT. All accepted abstracts are available online on the ASN website . About IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) IgAN is a serious, progressive, life-threatening, B cell-mediated chronic kidney disease that is the most common cause of primary (idiopathic) glomerulonephritis, affecting people worldwide including approximately 130,000 people in the U.S. IgAN results from deposition of circulating immune complexes consisting of immunoglobulins and galactose-deficient immunoglobulin A (Gd-IgA1) in the renal glomerular mesangium, triggering kidney injury and fibrosis. A high percentage of people with IgAN progress to end-stage renal disease. There are no approved therapies that specifically target the underlying cause of IgAN. About RAINIER RAINIER is a global Phase 3 pivotal trial of povetacicept 80 mg vs. placebo on top of standard of care in approximately 480 people with IgAN. The study is designed to have a pre-planned interim analysis evaluating UPCR for the povetacicept arm versus placebo after a certain number of patients reach 36 weeks of treatment. If positive, the interim analysis may serve as the basis for Vertex to seek accelerated approval in the U.S. Final analysis will occur at two years of treatment, with a primary endpoint of total eGFR slope through Week 104. About Primary Membranous Nephropathy (pMN) Primary membranous nephropathy is a serious, progressive, life-threatening B cell-mediated chronic kidney disease affecting people worldwide, with approximately 60,000 people diagnosed in the U.S. pMN causes a patient’s immune system to damage the glomeruli and may cause progressive loss of kidney function. There are no approved therapies that specifically target the underlying cause of pMN. About RUBY-3 RUBY-3 is an ongoing, multiple ascending dose, multi-cohort, open label, Phase 1/2 basket study of povetacicept in autoimmune glomerulonephritis, including IgAN, pMN, lupus nephritis and ANCA-associated vasculitis with glomerulonephritis where povetacicept is being administered subcutaneously for up to 104 weeks. About Povetacicept Povetacicept is a dual antagonist of the BAFF (B cell activating factor) and APRIL (a proliferation inducing ligand) cytokines, which play key roles in pathogenesis of multiple autoimmune diseases via their roles in the activation, differentiation and/or survival of B cells, T cells and innate immune cells. Based upon an engineered TACI (transmembrane activator and CAML interactor) domain, povetacicept has higher binding affinity and greater potency in preclinical studies versus other inhibitors of BAFF and/or APRIL alone and has demonstrated potential best-in-class efficacy in a clinical trial in patients with IgA nephropathy and primary membranous nephropathy. Povetacicept is also in development for multiple serious diseases including other autoimmune kidney diseases and autoimmune cytopenias. About APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) AMKD is a genetic kidney disease affecting approximately 100,000 people in the U.S. and Europe. AMKD is caused by two variants of the APOL1 gene, which exert a toxic effect on kidney cells, leading to cell injury, cell death and damage to glomeruli (which filter blood to the kidney). Even after treatment with currently available therapies, people with AMKD often progress to kidney failure. Kidney failure is treated with frequent, long-term dialysis or a kidney transplant. Both require lifelong treatment and follow-up and carry a high mortality risk . There are currently no approved treatments that address the underlying cause of AMKD. About Inaxaplin Inaxaplin is a potential first-in-class, investigational small molecule inhibitor of APOL1, and the first investigational therapy aimed at treating the underlying cause of AMKD. About AMPLITUDE AMPLITUDE is a global Phase 2/3 pivotal trial of inaxaplin for the treatment of AMKD, in which a 45 mg once daily oral dose is compared to placebo, on top of standard of care. The study is designed to have a pre-planned interim analysis at Week 48 evaluating estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope, a measure of kidney function, supported by a percent change from baseline in proteinuria, in the inaxaplin arm versus placebo. If positive, the interim analysis may serve as the basis for Vertex to seek accelerated approval in the U.S. Enrollment and dosing are ongoing in the Phase 3 portion of the study. About Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) ADPKD is the most common inherited kidney disease and one of the most common severe Mendelian genetic diseases, affecting approximately 250,000 diagnosed people in the U.S. and Europe. As an autosomal dominant disease, one affected parent can pass on the disease to their children. In most cases, ADPKD is caused by variants in the PKD1 and PKD2 genes, which express proteins known as polycystins. The majority of ADPKD patients (~80%) have a variant in the PKD1 gene, resulting in a loss of function of polycystin 1 (PC1). This leads to the proliferation of kidney epithelial cells, increased fluid secretion and the formation and expansion of numerous fluid-filled cysts. The progressive cyst formation causes an increase in kidney size and decline in kidney function. Around half of patients with ADPKD experience kidney failure by the age of 60. Kidney cysts can also lead to severe abdominal pain, cyst infection, blood in the urine and kidney stones, all of which significantly impair quality of life. About Vertex Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. The company has approved medicines that treat the underlying causes of multiple chronic, life-shortening genetic diseases — cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia — and continues to advance clinical and research programs in these diseases. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including acute and neuropathic pain, APOL1-mediated kidney disease, IgA nephropathy, primary membranous nephropathy, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes and myotonic dystrophy type 1. Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston, with international headquarters in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry’s top places to work, including 15 consecutive years on Science magazine’s Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex’s history of innovation, visit or follow us on LinkedIn , Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and X . Vertex Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, without limitation, the statements by Carmen Bozic, M.D., in this press release, and statements regarding Vertex’s expectations and plans for the global Phase 3 RAINIER study of povetacicept, including the potential for an interim analysis to serve as the basis to seek accelerated approval in the U.S., and expectations and plans for the Phase 3 portion of the clinical trial of inaxaplin, including the potential for an interim analysis to serve as the basis to seek accelerated approval in the U.S. While we believe the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are accurate, these forward-looking statements represent the company’s beliefs only as of the date of this press release and there are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Those risks and uncertainties include, among other things, that data from the company’s development programs may not support registration or further development of its compounds due to safety, efficacy, and other reasons, and other risks listed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Vertex’s most recent annual report and subsequent quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission at and available through the company’s website at . You should not place undue reliance on these statements, or the scientific data presented. Vertex disclaims any obligation to update the information contained in this press release as new information becomes available. (VRTX-GEN) Contacts Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated Investors: InvestorInfo@vrtx.com Media: mediainfo@vrtx.com or International: +44 20 3204 5275 or U.S.: 617-341-6992 or Heather Nichols: +1 617-839-3607

-ATX-01 is the industry’s first anti-microRNA therapeutic to be investigated in DM1 – VALENCIA, Spain I October 18, 2024 I ARTHEx Biotech S.L., a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative medicines through the modulation of gene expression, announced today that the first participant has been dosed in the Randomized Placebo Controlled Double Blind Phase I-IIa ArthemiR™ Trial of ATX-01 for Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1). DM1 is a devastating rare neuromuscular disorder that causes muscle weakness and other life-limiting complications. There are currently no disease-modifying treatments approved for DM1. ATX-01, the industry’s first anti-microRNA therapeutic to be evaluated for DM1, targets microRNA 23b (miR-23b) which is known to be a regulator of the expression of muscle blind like (MBNL) proteins that are essential for the correct expression (splicing) of many messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) and hence proteins, in the body. DM1 pathogenesis is caused by sequestration of MBNL by toxic dystrophia myotonica protein kinase (DMPK) mRNA in the nucleus, and by translational repression of MBNL production caused by miR-23b overexpression, both of which lead to a net decrease of MBNL available to exert its usual regulatory functions. ATX-01 is the only therapeutic agent that acts with a dual mechanism of action, by (1) increasing MBNL production, and (2) by destabilizing the toxic DMPK foci leading to a reduction of DMPK mRNA and release of sequestered MBNL. Both factors contribute to a general increase of active MBNL levels and splicing correction. “Since the founding of ARTHEx, we have been working tirelessly to achieve our goal of creating a new therapeutic option for persons living with DM1 and their families. We are proud to have reached a major milestone in our company’s journey with the dosing of the first participant in our ArthemiR™ trial,” said Dr. Frédéric Legros, Chairman and CEO of ARTHEx. “We believe that the market opportunity for a new DM1 therapy is very attractive, given the important unmet medical need and the lack of an approved agent that is disease-modifying.” “ATX-01 is a very unique molecule – it was discovered and developed entirely in-house by ARTHEx scientists through years of engineering and execution, and we are excited about the potential of its dual mechanism of action to improve the lives of patients with DM1,” said Dr. Beatriz Llamusí, Chief Scientific Officer and Co-Founder of ARTHEx. The ArthemiR™ trial is a global Phase I-IIa double-blind, placebo-controlled, single and multiple ascending dose study in participants with classic DM1. The primary objective is to determine the safety and tolerability of ATX-01 in DM1 participants. ARTHEx will also investigate target engagement at the muscle level through biomarkers, including MBNL levels and RNA splicing index. The clinical endpoints from the trial will include measures related to muscle function, patient-reported outcomes, and quality of life measures. The plan is to enroll fifty-six participants to allow an assessment of ATX-01’s performance in this population. Dr. Judy Walker, Chief Medical Officer of ARTHEx, added, “The ArthemiR™ trial is designed to assess the safety and tolerability of ATX-01 in persons with DM1, as well as its activity on the disease pathophysiology and clinical outcomes. We are very pleased with the non-clinical safety profile of ATX-01 and are excited about moving this agent to clinic as it offers a fresh approach to the disease due to its dual mechanism of action. We sincerely hope that ATX-01 will lead to functional benefits for patients with DM1, offer a well tolerated safety profile, and improve quality of life for those with the condition. We look forward to continuing to enroll participants and initiating more sites across the globe.” Dr. Valeria Sansone, Professor of Neurology at the University of Milan, commented, “Dosing the first participant in the ArthemiR trial is a significant milestone that represents years of research and development for DM1. Initiating new clinical studies with novel treatment options like ATX-01 may be critical for patients, families and the broader community to gain additional knowledge which may help lead to better clinical outcomes and possibly an approved treatment. I am excited to evaluate ATX-01’s dual mechanism of action in the ArthemiR trial.” About ATX-01 ATX-01 is an antimiR oligonucleotide designed to target microRNA 23b (miR-23b), which is involved in the pathogenesis of DM1. It has been demonstrated, in human DM1 myoblast cell lines and in two murine models, that ATX-01 has a unique, dual mechanism of action which reduces toxic DMPK mRNA and increases MBNL protein production. ATX-01 was discovered through ARTHEx’s in-house discovery engine, which was built to identify, design and optimize novel gene expression modulators and ensure their preferential delivery to target tissues affected by the disease. About Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1) Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a highly disabling disease affecting more than one million people worldwide. The condition affects muscles and other tissues (causing respiratory problems, fatigue, hypersomnia, cardiac abnormalities, severe gastrointestinal complications, and cognitive and behavioral impairment). Most commonly, it manifests during adulthood (classic DM1). Although signs and symptoms vary among affected individuals, with progression of the disease, DM1 patients experience a reduction in the ability to perform activities of daily living. Moreover, patients have a significantly shortened lifespan and there is currently no approved treatment to slow the progression of the disease. About ARTHEx Biotech ARTHEx Biotech is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative medicines through the modulation of gene expression. The Company’s lead investigational compound, ATX-01, is being evaluated for the treatment of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), a rare neuromuscular disorder, in the Phase I-IIa ArthemiR™ trial. ArthemiR trial is co-funded by EIC Accelerator program under the Grant Agreement Nº 190181217. ARTHEx is advancing its in-house discovery engine to identify and develop nucleic acid-based therapies for other disorders with high unmet medical need, including genetically-driven diseases. The Company headquarters are in Valencia, Spain. For more information, please visit www.arthexbiotech.com and engage with us on LinkedIn. SOURCE: ARTHEx Biotech