Reata Announces First Patient Enrolled in Part 2 o

IRVING, Texas, Oct. 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: RETA ) (“Reata” or the “Company”) today announced the enrollment of the first patient in the pivotal Part 2 of the MOXIe trial to evaluate omaveloxolone in patients with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). 

“Friedreich’s ataxia is a severe, neurological disorder that profoundly impacts patients and their families.  Based on the results from Part 1 of MOXIe, we are optimistic that Part 2 of the MOXIe trial could position omaveloxolone to become the first therapy approved for patients with Friedreich’s ataxia,” said Warren Huff, Reata’s Chief Executive Officer and President.  “With the initiation of Part 2 of MOXIe, Reata has launched three pivotal programs in the last 12 months.”

Part 2 of the MOXIe trial is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-center, international trial designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of omaveloxolone in patients with FA.  The trial will enroll approximately 100 FA patients randomized evenly to either 150 mg of omaveloxolone or placebo.  The primary endpoint of the trial will be the change from baseline in the modified Friedreich’s Ataxia Rating Scale (mFARS) of omaveloxolone compared to placebo at 48 weeks.  Additional endpoints will include the change from baseline in peak work during maximal exercise testing, Patient Global Impression of Change, and Clinical Global Impression of Change.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has confirmed that use of mFARS as the primary endpoint in Part 2 of the MOXIe trial can support approval of omaveloxolone in FA.  Reata expects top-line data to be available in the second half of 2019.

About Friedreich's Ataxia

FA is a rare, degenerative, life-shortening neuro-muscular disorder that affects children and adults and involves the loss of strength and coordination usually leading to wheelchair use; diminished vision, hearing and speech; scoliosis (curvature of the spine); increased risk of diabetes; and a life-threatening heart condition.  Currently, there are no FDA-approved treatments for FA.

About Omaveloxolone

Omaveloxolone is an experimental, oral, once-daily activator of Nrf2, a transcription factor that induces molecular pathways that promote the resolution of inflammation by restoring mitochondrial function, reducing oxidative stress, and inhibiting pro-inflammatory signaling.  The FDA has granted orphan designation to omaveloxolone for the treatment of Friedreich’s ataxia.

About Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Reata is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that develops novel therapeutics for patients with serious or life-threatening diseases by targeting molecular pathways involved in the regulation of cellular metabolism and inflammation.  Reata’s two most advanced clinical candidates, bardoxolone methyl and omaveloxolone, target the important transcription factor Nrf2 that promotes the resolution of inflammation by restoring mitochondrial function, reducing oxidative stress, and inhibiting pro-inflammatory signaling.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes certain disclosures that contain “forward-looking statements,” including, without limitation, statements regarding the success, cost and timing of our product development activities and clinical trials, our plans to research, develop and commercialize our product candidates, and our ability to obtain and retain regulatory approval of our product candidates.  You can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “believes,” “will,” “may,” “aims,” “plans,” and “expects.”  Forward-looking statements are based on Reata’s current expectations and assumptions.  Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements, which are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance.  Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, (i) the timing, costs, conduct, and outcome of our clinical trials and future preclinical studies and clinical trials, including the timing of the initiation and availability of data from such trials; (ii) the timing and likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals for our product candidates; (iii) the potential market size and the size of the patient populations for our product candidates, if approved for commercial use, and the market opportunities for our product candidates; and (iv) other factors set forth in Reata’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K, under the caption “Risk Factors.”  The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made and, other than as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Contact: Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (972) 865-2219 info@reatapharma.com http://news.reatapharma.com

Investor Relations: Vinny Jindal Vice President, Strategy & Analytics (469) 374-8721 ir@reatapharma.com

Media: Matt Middleman, M.D. LifeSci Public Relations (646) 627-8384 matt.middleman@lifescipublicrelations.com