Nonclinical Safety Profile of Revusiran, a 1st-Generation GalNAc-siRNA Conjugate for Treatment of Hereditary Transthyretin-Mediated Amyloidosis

Revusiran is a 1st-generation short interfering RNA targeting transthyretin conjugated to an N-acetylgalactosamine ligand to facilitate delivery to hepatocytes via uptake by the asialoglycoprotein receptors. Revusiran, in development for the treatment of hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis, was discontinued after an imbalance in deaths in the “ENDEAVOUR” phase 3 clinical trial. Nonclinical safety assessments included safety pharmacology, acute and repeat-dose toxicity, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity. There were no effects on cardiovascular or respiratory function in monkeys after single doses of up to 100 mg/kg. No neurological effects were noted in monkeys in repeat-dose studies up to 300 mg/kg. Revusiran was well tolerated in repeat-dose mouse (weekly doses) and rat and monkey (five daily doses followed by weekly doses) toxicity studies. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) in rats was 30 mg/kg based on reversible microscopic changes in liver that were accompanied by correlating elevations in clinical chemistry at higher doses. Dose-limiting toxicity was absent in monkeys, and the NOAEL was 200 mg/kg. There was no evidence of genotoxicity in vitro or in vivo at limit doses or carcinogenicity in a 2-year study in rats at doses up to 100 mg/kg. Overall, these results demonstrate that revusiran had a favorable nonclinical safety profile.