Press & Media
Press Releases & Media Updates
Press releases and current media coverage.
RS BioTherapeutics Announces Positive Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Fibrotic Effects of Lead Compound in Human Lung Tissue
First-in-class, steroid-free compound reduced inflammatory and fibrotic biomarkers in human lung tissue furthering support as a new advancement in the treatment of deadly lung diseases
January 21, 2025 10:00 ET | Source: RS BioTherapeutics
CUMBERLAND, Md., January 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —
RS BioTherapeutics, whose mission is to develop life-changing medicines for the millions of people suffering from deadly lung diseases characterized by pulmonary inflammation, is pleased to announce that its lead compound (RSBT-001) reduced inflammatory biomarkers and mediators of fibrosis in a human precision cut lung slices study.
RSBT-001 was evaluated in three separate, inducible experiments designed to test the ability of RSBT-001 to attenuate inflammation and fibrosis in human precision cut lung slices (PCLuS). RSBT-001 demonstrated a statistically significant reduction of key inflammatory biomarkers, validating results from two prior animal studies. RSBT-001 also demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in key mediators of remodeling/fibrosis, adding new, exciting properties to the RSBT-001 profile that warrant further exploration.
Commenting on the results of the human lung tissue study, RS BioTherapeutics’ Chief Executive Officer, Dean Hart said, “These results of the impact of RSBT-001 on key inflammatory biomarkers and mediators of remodeling/fibrosis in human lung tissue support the potential of this first-in-class, steroid-free compound in the treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), and other deadly lung diseases characterized by pulmonary inflammation. We look forward to continuing the development of RSBT-001 and striving towards our ultimate goal of improving the quality of life of the patients we serve.”
Of note, RSBT-001 demonstrated statistically significant reduction (minimum p<0.01) of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-1β, which are key inflammatory biomarkers known to play a role in the pathophysiology of COPD. The fibrosis experiment provided new compelling results with RSBT-001 demonstrating statistically significant reductions (p<0.0001) of Collagen 1a1 and TIMP-1, both of which contribute to lung tissue remodeling/fibrotic changes in COPD and IPF.
Chief Medical Officer Michelle L. Shuffett, MD added, “Animal studies are often criticized for poor translational value. These positive findings for RSBT-001 in human lung tissue not only confirm our previous work in animal studies but also provide greater confidence in the therapeutic potential of RSBT-001 for diseases characterized by pulmonary inflammation. We are eager to move forward with the RSBT-001 development plan and remain committed to delivering a steroid-free option for patients with COPD. In addition, we aim to deepen our understanding of the emerging impact of RSBT-001 on mediators of remodeling and fibrosis.”
Commenting on the human lung tissue study results, Dr. Stephen Rennard of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, an internationally recognized pulmonary expert, and a member of the RS BioTherapeutics Therapeutic Expert Council said, “There are clear in vitro effects from RSBT-001 on anti-inflammatory biomarkers and mediators of fibrosis, all in the right direction. For a first experiment in human lung tissue, this merits considerable excitement.”
RS BioTherapeutics chose FibroFind (https://www.fibrofind.com/) to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic activity of RSBT-001 in human lung tissue. FibroFind’s proprietary bioreactor supported precision-cut tissue slice platform offers the most physiological pre-clinical model for discovery biology, and drug efficacy evaluation. By overcoming the limitations of mouse models and simplistic monolayer cell culture systems, FibroFind’s platform more accurately represents the complex cellular anatomy, cell heterogeneity, and native cell-cell/cell-matrix interactions found in human organs.
About RS BioTherapeutics
The mission of RS BioTherapeutics is to develop life-changing medicines for the millions of people suffering from deadly lung diseases characterized by pulmonary inflammation. RS BioTherapeutics is developing a first-in-class, steroid-free, multi-targeted immune modulator (RSBT-001) with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) targeted as first indications. RS BioTherapeutics projects filing an Investigational New Drug Application for RSBT-001 in 2026. More information on RS BioTherapeutics can be found at www.rsbiotherapeutics.com.
Media Contact:
David Gutierrez, Dresner Corporate Services for RS BioTherapeutics, (312) 780-7204, dgutierrez@dresnerco.com
RS BioTherapeutics Announces Research Collaboration with University of Colorado School of Medicine
Collaboration to focus on RS BioTherapeutics’ first-in-class, steroid-free, therapeutic platform in the treatment of deadly lung diseases and use as a chemical countermeasure
July 08, 2024 10:00 ET | Source: RS BioTherapeutics
CUMBERLAND, Md., July 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RS BioTherapeutics, whose mission is to develop life-changing medicines for the millions of people suffering from deadly lung diseases characterized by pulmonary inflammation, is pleased to announce a collaboration agreement with the University of Colorado School of Medicine to evaluate use of its first-in-class, steroid-free therapeutic platform in the treatment of deadly lung diseases as well as a chemical countermeasure.
RS BioTherapeutics is collaborating specifically with the lab of Dr. Tom Hu, an Associate Professor in the Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine and Associate Director for the Center for Advanced Drug Development, Department of Pediatrics, at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. The University of Colorado School of Medicine is home to numerous seminal discoveries in pulmonary and critical care medicine, including advances in tuberculosis, interstitial lung disease, airway disease, cancer, pulmonary vascular disease, and critical care.
Commenting on the collaboration, RS BioTherapeutics’ Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Michelle L. Shuffett said, “We are very pleased to have established this collaboration with Dr. Hu’s lab and the University of Colorado School of Medicine to evaluate RSBT-001, our first-in-class, steroid-free therapeutic platform for deadly lung diseases characterized by pulmonary inflammation and as a chemical countermeasure for terrorist activities. Dr. Hu’s academic credentials coupled with his extensive experience in both the private and government sectors, makes him the ideal partner to help evaluate these important use cases for RSBT-001.”
Dr. Tom Hu said, “RSBT-001 is currently in development for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the third leading cause of death in the world as well as Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a rare disease with no cure and a 3-5 year survival rate. In addition, the anti-inflammatory properties of RSBT-001 demonstrated in preclinical trials underscore its potential to be an effective chemical countermeasure. I am very excited to collaborate with Dr. Shuffett and the rest of the RS BioTherapeutics team to evaluate and advance the development of RSBT-001.”
Dr. Hu joined the University of Colorado in 2023 after 14 years of federal services as a Project Officer in the Division of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Countermeasures at the Biomedical Advancement Research and Development Authority (BARDA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Dr. Hu received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Magna Cum Laude, with an emphasis in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh in 1996. Dr. Hu went on to earn his M.S. and Ph.D. in Chemistry from Carnegie Mellon University in 1999 and 2001, respectively. Following his doctoral work, Dr. Hu moved to the National Institutes of Health as an Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) Fellow. He subsequently went on to GlaxoSmithKline PLC as a Principal Scientist. During this period, he also completed an MBA at Villanova University. Dr. Hu then established the Small Animal Imaging Program at the Medical College of Georgia. During his most recent position as a Project Officer for the past 14+ years, Dr. Hu was responsible for oversight of technical progress for the Division of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Countermeasures. He has managed more than 20+ company contracts for the Federal Government, developing medical countermeasures in the Chemical, Radiological/Nuclear, Biodosimetry, and Thermal Burn areas, where total contractual values total over $186+ million. Currently, he serves as an associate editor and ad hoc reviewer for more than 20 peer-reviewed journals, has published 29 peer-reviewed articles and made presentations at over 60 national and international conference presentations. Dr. Hu has 5 U.S. patents and has been certified as a Diplomate by the American Board of Medical Physics in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Physics.
About RS BioTherapeutics
The mission of RS BioTherapeutics is to develop life-changing medicines for the millions of people suffering from deadly lung diseases characterized by pulmonary inflammation. RS BioTherapeutics is developing a first-in-class, steroid-free, multi-targeted immune modulator (RSBT-001) with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) targeted as first indications. RS BioTherapeutics owns the exclusive, global license for RSBT-001 and is projecting filing an Investigational New Drug Application for RSBT-001 and initiating human trials in 2026.
Media Contact:
David Gutierrez, Dresner Corporate Services for RS BioTherapeutics, (312) 780-7204, dgutierrez@dresnerco.com
RS BioTherapeutics Launches Crowdfunding Campaign Through StartEngine
April 30, 2024 10:00 ET | Source: RS BioTherapeutics
CUMBERLAND, Md., April 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RS BioTherapeutics, whose mission is to develop life-changing medicines for the millions of people suffering from diseases characterized by pulmonary inflammation, announced today the launch of an SEC Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF) investment campaign through StartEngine, one of the largest equity crowdfunding platforms in the U.S.
“The launch of this crowdfunding campaign will enable individual investors to support our efforts in developing breakthrough pharmaceutical medicines to improve the treatment and outcomes for patients suffering from respiratory diseases characterized by pulmonary inflammation,” says RS BioTherapeutics’ Chief Executive Officer, Dean Hart. “Our first investigational compound, RSBT-001, is a first-in-class, steroid-free, multi-targeted immune modulator in development for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).”
COPD is the 3rd leading cause of death in the world. According to the American Lung Association, COPD is a chronic lung disease characterized by obstruction of air flow that interferes with normal breathing and causes breathing-related symptoms. COPD includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and many people have both. More women than men have COPD, and deaths from COPD are higher in women than in men. Treatment options can help slow the progression of COPD and improve symptoms, yet there is no cure.
IPF is a rare, progressive, and fatal disease with an average survival of 3-5 years. There is no known cause or cure, and limited treatment options. According to the American Lung Association, IPF is the most common type of pulmonary fibrosis that causes scarring (fibrosis) and stiffness of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.
Prior to the launch of its crowdfunding campaign, RS BioTherapeutics went through a comprehensive review process to be approved. To learn more about this investment opportunity, please visit https://www.startengine.com/offering/rs-biotherapeutics.
About RS BioTherapeutics
The mission of RS BioTherapeutics is to develop life-changing medicines for the millions of people suffering from diseases characterized by pulmonary inflammation. RS BioTherapeutics is developing a first-in-class, steroid-free, multi-targeted immune modulator (RSBT-001) for the treatment of respiratory diseases characterized by pulmonary inflammation, with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) targeted as first indications. RS BioTherapeutics owns the exclusive, global license for RSBT-001 and is projecting filing an Investigational New Drug Application for RSBT-001 and initiating human trials in 2026. More information on RS BioTherapeutics can be found at www.rsbiotherapeutics.com.
Media Contact:
David Gutierrez, Dresner Corporate Services for RS BioTherapeutics, (312) 780-7204, dgutierrez@dresnerco.com
RS BioTherapeutics Adds Jane Wright-Mitchell, Pharm.D., J.D. to Business Advisory Board
Ms. Wright-Mitchell to serve as fractional General Counsel and Compliance Advisor
April 25, 2024 10:00 ET | Source: RS BioTherapeutics
CUMBERLAND, Md., April 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RS BioTherapeutics, whose mission is to develop life-changing medicines for the millions of people suffering from diseases characterized by pulmonary inflammation, is pleased to announce the addition of Jane Wright-Mitchell, Pharm.D., J.D. to the RS BioTherapeutics Business Advisory Board. As a member of the Business Advisory Board, Ms. Wright-Mitchell will also serve as fractional General Counsel and Compliance Advisor for RS BioTherapeutics.
Commenting on the addition of Ms. Wright-Mitchell to the Business Advisory Board, Dean Hart, Chief Executive Officer of RS BioTherapeutics said, “I was fortunate to work with Jane while we were both at AcelRx and am thrilled to have her join our Business Advisory Board. Jane more than fulfills our goal of adding Business Advisors who make our organization better well beyond their core discipline of expertise.”
Ms. Wright-Mitchell is a healthcare and life sciences attorney with more than 20 years of experience working with pharmaceutical and medical device companies. She currently serves as Principal and General Counsel at Lecar Life Sciences, Inc., a life sciences consulting company. In this role, she serves as a fractional General Counsel to companies in the pharmaceutical, medical device, medical technology and cannabis industries. Prior to that she was General Counsel, Chief Compliance Advisor and Corporate Secretary with Vaxcyte, Inc., a vaccine development company. Prior to joining Vaxcyte she was Chief Legal Officer with Steep Hill, Inc., a California state licensed cannabis testing laboratory. She currently is a director for the boards of New Frontier Data, a data, analytics, and technology company focusing on the global cannabis industry, and Canbud Distribution Corp, a Canadian publicly listed company with a fully integrated and licensed hemp CBD operation.
Commenting on her addition to the RS BioTherapeutics Business Advisory Board, Ms. Wright-Mitchell said, “I’m excited to contribute to the success of RS BioTherapeutics as they work to deliver on their mission of developing life-changing medicines for the millions of people suffering from diseases characterized by pulmonary inflammation.”
Ms. Wright-Mitchell earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Clemson University, a doctorate in pharmacy (Pharm.D.) from the University of Illinois, Chicago, and a Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law. She is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office as well as a licensed pharmacist (Illinois).
About RS BioTherapeutics
RS Biotherapeutic’s mission is to harness the therapeutic power of cannabinoids in the research, development, and commercialization of life-changing medicines. RS BioTherapeutic’s first investigational compound (RSBT-001) is a semi-synthetic cannabidiolic acid complex in development to address exacerbation and prevent progression of both acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation related to respiratory diseases including COPD, SARS-COV-2, Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
Media Contact: David Gutierrez, Dresner Corporate Services for RS BioTherapeutics, (312) 780-7204, dgutierrez@dresnerco.com