January 7, 2010 - Bardoxolone methyl is a small molecule compound currently being developed in Phase II clinical trials in the US by Reata Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of chronic kidney disease in diabetic patients.- Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Reata) and Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd. (Kyowa Hakko Kirin) announced that they have entered into a licensing agreement that provides Kyowa Hakko Kirin with the exclusive rights to develop and commercialize Reata's lead compound, bardoxolone methyl (bardoxolone), in Japan and other selected Asian markets. Under the terms of the agreement, Reata is eligible to receive up to $272 million in up-front fees and milestone payments, in addition to double-digit royalties.
Bardoxolone activates the Nrf2 gene, which controls the production of over 250 antioxidant and detoxification proteins. Activation of Nrf2 protects tissues by increasing cellular antioxidant content and suppressing inflammatory signaling pathways. It is now known that chronic "metabolic inflammation" promotes Type 2 diabetes and its complications, including cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
In two Phase 2 trials, bardoxolone significantly improved renal function in Type 2 diabetic patients with advanced CKD... Reata Pharmaceuticals' Press Release - Kyowa Hakko Kirin's Press Release -
