AI-enabled biotech Rejuvenate Biomed announced that the first patient has been dosed in its phase 2 clinical trial evaluating its lead investigational oral compound, RJx-01, in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-related muscle weakness and sarcopenia.
The trial is the result of a partnership between Rejuvenate Biomed, the University of Leicester, the National Institute for Health and Care Research Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, and Wellcome Leap.
“Patients with COPD often experience reduced muscle mass, strength and endurance, in addition to respiratory symptoms. This accelerates functional decline, especially during hospitalizations due to exacerbations. A therapy that can reduce muscle weakness and sarcopenia in COPD patients could lead to better long-term outcomes and quality of life,” said Neil Greening, Associate Professor at the University of Leicester and Chief Investigator of the study.
RJx-01, an orally administered proprietary combination drug identified by Rejuvenate’s drug discovery platforms, represents a first-in-class treatment that can meaningfully address sarcopenia (loss in skeletal muscle) by not only slowing progression but restore muscle health.