is a clinical-stage biotech company focused on the development of novel pharmacologic therapies for acute and chronic kidney disease. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) remains a significant, unmet medical need with no approved treatment. Postoperative AKI occurs in approximately 30% of patients undergoing cardiac surgery and significantly increases the risk of death (Rosner 2006). Progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD) within 24 months occurs in approximately 15-20% of patients who survive AKI (Chawla 2012). CKD affects 30 million people in the US and has a higher mortality rate than breast cancer, lung cancer, diabetes, and heart failure combined. With no treatment available to stop the progression of CKD, this disease remains a significant healthcare burden.
RTI’s lead product, RBT-1, is a novel pharmacologic intervention that activates the kidney’s natural protective redox signaling pathways, forming a kidney shield. RBT-1 represents a novel medical approach for the prevention of AKI in patients who are undergoing cardiac surgery. Phase I development is nearing completion, and a Phase II study is anticipated to begin in 1H, 2020. RBT-2 is an antifibrotic antioxidant that restores cellular homeostasis in the kidney. RBT-2 is being developed for the treatment of CKD. IND-enabling work with RBT-2 is currently in progress, and it is anticipated that a Phase I study will be conducted in 1H, 2020. 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, 2020.
Due to the recent Covid-19 global health crisis, Renibus Therapeutics is developing a novel anti-viral therapy RBT-9[Stannous protoporphyrin (SnPP)] for the treatment of COVID-19 at the early stage (Stage I) in patients who are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and at high risk for disease progression. Renibus Therapeutics is investigating the effect of RBT-9 to reduce viral load and simultaneously precondition the body to boost cytoprotective anti-inflammatory responses that preserve functional and structural organ integrity. Therefore, via separate mechanisms, RBT-9 may benefit patients with COVID-19 by both inhibiting viral activity and preventing organ failure.
Renibus Therapeutics has received a fast track designation for RBT-9. The phase II trial is now enrolling.