Suzhou Ribo Life Science Co., Ltd. today announced that its phase II clinical trial of ISIS449884 Injection, an ASO for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, had completed the enrollment of the first patient and the subject was successfully administered the first dose of study drug.

ISIS449884 Injection was granted an approval for clinical trials by National Medical Products Administration on December 29, 2018, indicating that the Phase II clinical trial can be conducted in China. This is the first phase II clinical study of ASOs initiated in China. At present, 32 study sites have been initiated for this clinical trial, and all work progresses in a tense and orderly manner as planned.

ISIS449884 is a second-generation 2′-O-(2-methoxyethyl) (2′-MOE) antisense oligonucleotide inhibitor targeting glucagon receptor (GCGR), belonging to Class 1 innovative drugs not marketed in China or abroad. Ribo has obtained from the world's leader in ASOs - Ionis Pharmaceutical Inc. the exclusive right to develop and commercialize the product in China. Unlike the mechanism of action of other hypoglycemic agents, this product blocks the function of glucagon by decreasing the expression of glucagon receptors in the liver and adipose tissue, thereby reducing hepatic glucose conversion and output, while achieving the purpose of lowering blood glucose. This product also has the effect of increasing GLP-1 expression level and improving islet β cell function in vivo. Its dual mechanism provides multiple benefits for patients with severe diabetes or poor glycemic control with existing therapies.