On September 19, 2024 Ryvu Therapeutics (WSE: RVU), a clinical-stage drug discovery and development company focusing on novel small molecule therapies that address emerging targets in oncology, reported that the first patient has been dosed in the REMARK study, a Phase II clinical trial investigating RVU120 as a monotherapy for the treatment of patients with LR-MDS (Press release, Ryvu Therapeutics, SEP 19, 2024, View Source [SID1234646753]).

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"We are glad to announce the initiation of the REMARK study for RVU120, which can potentially help patients with lower-risk MDS. This study builds upon the promising results from our Phase Ib study in patients with AML and high-risk MDS, where we observed hematologic improvement in several patients, including cases of transfusion independence. The objective is to further assess the safety and efficacy of RVU120 in patients with lower-risk MDS, underpinned by robust preclinical and mechanistic evidence. We believe this represents a significant advancement toward our objective of developing effective treatments for hematological diseases and offering therapeutic options for patients. I am delighted that we can count on the support of the EMSCO network and Prof Uwe Platzbecker in this endeavor." – said Hendrik Nogai, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Ryvu Therapeutics.

REMARK is an open-label, multicenter Phase II study of RVU120, a novel small-molecule cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 8/19 inhibitor. The study aims to treat anemia in patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). In REMARK, RVU120 is being explored as a single agent in patients with LR-MDS who have exhausted available treatment options.

The REMARK study is being conducted as an investigator-initiated study through the EMSCO network with Prof. Uwe Platzbecker, a globally renowned expert in the field of LR-MDS, as the Coordinating Principal Investigator.

"I am proud that we could start the REMARK study in line with our ambitious plans. RVU120 has shown promising hematologic improvement in patients with off-hematologic impaired bone marrow function. I am optimistic that this clinical evidence will translate into a positive outcome of the REMARK study. RVU120 has important features that should be considered a potential new treatment option for patients with LR-MDS. It may aid in achieving our ultimate aim to alleviate the need for red blood cell transfusions in these patients." – said Uwe Platzbecker, M.D., Director of the Clinic and Poliklinik for Hematology, Cell Therapy and Hemostaseology at the Leipzig University Hospital.

REMARK is being initiated based on the clinical safety and efficacy data gathered so far, as well as strong preclinical and mechanistic rationale. MDS pathogenesis is influenced by gene expression alterations that hinder the maturation of hematopoietic cells. RVU120 triggers erythroid gene expression programs orchestrated by STAT5 and GATA1 in aberrant stem cells from MDS patients. Importantly, RVU120’s activity does not lead to significant toxicity in the hematopoietic system. As a result, RVU120 emerges as a promising drug candidate for treating transfusion-dependent MDS patients.

In REMARK, patients will receive RVU120 for at least 8 complete cycles (24 weeks). The primary goal is to achieve hematologic improvement in the form of an erythroid response (HI-E), with secondary goals including independence from RBC transfusions, improvement in hemoglobin levels, quality of life, disease progression, and analysis of specific gene mutations.

REMARK represents the third of four planned RVU120 Phase II clinical studies scheduled for launch in 2024. Ryvu has already started patient treatment in the RIVER-52 and RIVER-81 studies in AML, and the fourth Phase II trial is the planned to be initiated shortly POTAMI-61 study, evaluating both monotherapy and combination therapy for the treatment of patients with myelofibrosis (MF).