is a biotech company dedicated to transforming the cardio-renal disease treatment paradigm by focusing on the prevention, treatment, and diagnostic testing of kidney disease. Each year, 9 million U.S. adults suffer from acute kidney injury (AKI), and today, 37 million U.S. adults are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). As the most common complication of a number of surgical procedures, AKI occurs in approximately 30% of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. It is associated with a higher risk of mortality in both inpatient and outpatient settings, and progression to CKD within 24 months occurs in approximately 15-20% of patients who survive AKI. The quality of life and financial burdens of AKI and CKD have reached insurmountable proportions for patients and their families. Unfortunately, there are currently no approved therapies for prevention or treatment of AKI or to stop the progression of CKD leading to dialysis.  

Rénibus’RTI’s lead product, RBT-1, is a novel pharmacologic intervention that induces preconditioning of the kidney, upregulating production of protective proteins to prevent AKI during cardiac surgery. Phase I development is nearing completion, and a Phase II study is anticipated to begin in 1H, 2021. RBT-2 is an active metabolite of an antioxidant natural product that reduces CKD progression by restoring cellular homeostasis and reducing inflammation and fibrosis development. Protective effects of RBT-2 have also been observed in the heart. IND-enabling work with RBT-2 is currently in progress, and it is anticipated that a Phase I study will be conducted in 1H, 2022. RBT-3 is being developed to treat iron deficiency anemia. RBT-3 rapidly increases plasma ferritin without inducing nephrotoxicity or cardiotoxicty. Phase II development with RBT-3 is expected to be in 1H, 2022.

Due to the COVID-19 global health crisis, Rénibus is developing a novel antiviral therapy RBT-9 [Stannous protoporphyrin (SnPP)]  for the treatment of COVID-19 in patients with mild or moderate disease and at high risk for disease progression. RBT-9 reduces the viral load of several enveloped viruses and protects organs by mitigating viral-induced inflammation and upregulating the production of protective proteins. Therefore, via separate mechanisms, RBT-9 may benefit patients with COVID-19 by both inhibiting viral activity and preventing organ failure.

Rénibus has received a Fast Track designation from the FDA for RBT-9. The Phase II trial is now enrolling.