On June 23, 2022 Redx (AIM:REDX), the clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing novel, small molecule, highly targeted therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and fibrotic disease, reported its unaudited financial results for the six months ended 31 March 2022 (Press release, Redx Pharma, JUN 23, 2022, View Source [SID1234616229]).

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Lisa Anson, Chief Executive Officer, Redx Pharma, said: "We have made strong progress across all aspects of our pipeline. Importantly, we have moved our lead oncology asset, RXC004, into Phase 2 clinical studies; reported encouraging Phase 1 clinical results for our lead fibrosis asset, RXC007; and nominated our next development candidate, RXC008. We expect RXC008, a GI targeted ROCK inhibitor with the potential to be a first-in-class treatment for fibrostenotic Crohn’s disease, to be ready to enter the clinic by the end of 2023. Together with the recent acceptance of the IND submission for the pan-RAF inhibitor, JZP815, by our partner, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Redx has demonstrated strong progress across all aspects of our pipeline-a testament to the world class abilities of our drug discovery team."

"In addition to our strong pipeline progress, we were particularly pleased, post-period, to have completed a £34.3 million (gross) placing of our shares. These proceeds will fund our development plans through the end of 2023. We were delighted to receive strong support from all our existing investors as well as welcoming a new specialist healthcare investor, Invus."

Operational Highlights
· Significant clinical progress on lead oncology asset, RXC004, an oral, potent, selective, small molecule Porcupine inhibitor: o In November 2021, initiated PORCUPINE, a Phase 2 trial in genetically selected MSS metastatic colorectal cancer, with US Investigational New Drug (IND) now open; o In January 2022, initiated PORCUPINE2, a second Phase 2 trial in genetically selected pancreatic cancer and unselected biliary cancer.
· On 10 March 2022, Redx presented encouraging Phase 1 safety data for RXC007, an oral selective Rho Associated Protein Kinase 2 (ROCK2) inhibitor with potential for development in multiple fibrotic conditions: o Data showed an excellent safety and pharmacokinetic profile in both the Single Ascending Dose (SAD) and multiple dose cohorts. 23/06/2022, 10:43 View Source View Source 2/25
· On 30 March 2022 nominated RXC008, a Gastrointestinal (GI) targeted Rho Associated Coiled-Coil Containing Protein Kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, as the Company’s next clinical development candidate: o RXC008 is a potential first-in-class treatment for fibrostenotic Crohn’s disease, which has shown strong anti-fibrotic effects in preclinical models. · Progressed the discovery portfolio with the announcement on 27 January 2022 of the Company’s Discoidin Domain Receptor (DDR) inhibitor fibrosis programme: o Developed potent proprietary DDR inhibitors with drug-like characteristics that are now in the lead optimisation phase.
· Advanced preclinical and clinical collaborations with world-leading institutions to enhance the Company’s research capabilities: o Entered a strategic partnership with Caris Life Sciences in December 2021 to accelerate Phase 2 study recruitment in the US for the RXC004 PORCUPINE clinical trial; o Post-period, in April 2022, expanded our collaboration with the Garvan Institute of Medical Research to investigate novel therapeutic targets in cancer-associated fibrosis.
· Significantly progressed our partnered programmes with AstraZeneca and Jazz Pharmaceuticals, resulting in milestones totalling $19 million during the period: o On 9 December 2021, a $10 million (£7.4 million) milestone was triggered from Jazz Pharmaceuticals for the progress in the oncology research collaboration focused on two cancer targets on the MAPK pathway. Post period, one target under this oncology research collaboration with Jazz Pharmaceuticals is confirmed to continue to progress towards an IND application, whilst a second target has been discontinued due to pipeline prioritisation by Jazz given the evolving competitive landscape; o On 23 December 2021, a $9 million (£6.6 million) milestone was triggered from AstraZeneca as RXC006 entered Phase 1 clinical trials; o Post period, on 15 June 2022, Redx announced a milestone of $5 million from Jazz Pharmaceuticals triggered by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance of the IND for pan-RAF inhibitor programme, JZP815, which will represent the fifth clinical programme from Redx’s discovery engine to enter the clinic. · Further strengthened the Board of Directors and management team: o Board appointments of Dr Jane Griffiths as Chair from 1 December 2021 and Dr Rob Scott as Non-Executive Director on 27 January 2022; o Established a Science Committee of the Board on 8 March 2022 to oversee Redx’s progress in achieving its scientific and clinical goals; o Appointed Claire Solk on 17 January 2022 to the newly created position of General Counsel.

Financial Highlights

· Cash balance at 31 March 2022 of £31.6 million (31 March 2021 £39.9 million) which includes $19 million in milestone payments received from partnered programmes during the period;
· Successful placing of £34.3 million (gross) completed post-period in June 2022, which received strong support from existing investors and included a new specialist healthcare investor, Invus, which funds the Company’s operations through calendar year 2023, including important Phase 2 proof of concept data readouts for RXC004 and RXC007;
· Post period, on 15 June 2022, Redx also triggered a further milestone payment of $5 million from Jazz; · Increasing investment, reflecting the strong progress in our pipeline, led to increased research and development expenses of £12.9 million (H1 2021: £10.5 million);
· Loss for the period of £9.8 million (H1 2021 £12.7 million). 23/06/2022, 10:43 View Source View Source 3/25 The person responsible for the release of this announcement on behalf of the Company is Andrew Booth, Company Secretary.