UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 8-K

 


 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 4, 2019

 


 

RHYTHM PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware

 

001-38223

 

46-2159271

(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)

 

(Commission
File Number)

 

(IRS Employer
Identification Number)

 

500 Boylston Street, 11th Floor

Boston, MA  02116

(Address of principal executive offices, including Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (857) 264-4280

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

o    Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

o    Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

o    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

o    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).  Emerging growth company x

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  x

 

 

 


 

Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.

 

On January 4, 2019, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Company”) issued the attached press release regarding updated clinical data and expected 2019 milestones to be presented at the 37th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on Thursday, January 10, 2019. Copies of the press release and the presentation slides are furnished as Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K. The Company undertakes no obligation to update, supplement or amend the materials attached hereto.

 

The information contained in this Item 7.01 and in the accompanying Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2 shall not be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing, unless expressly incorporated by specific reference to such filing. The information in this Item 7.01 and the exhibits hereto shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section or Sections 11 and 12(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Item 9.01    Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

 

 

 

99.1

 

Press release dated January 4, 2019.

99.2

 

Company Presentation dated January 2019

 

2


 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

RHYTHM PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

 

 

Date: January 7, 2019

By:

/s/ Hunter Smith

 

 

Hunter Smith

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

3


Exhibit 99.1

 

 

Rhythm Pharmaceuticals to Outline Expected 2019 Milestones and Review Updated Clinical Data in Bardet-Biedl Syndrome at 37th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference

 

- Updated clinical data from Phase 2 basket studies evaluating setmelanotide in Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS) show continued weight loss for additional two patients at longer-term follow-up —

 

- Pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials in pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and leptin receptor (LEPR) deficiency obesity fully enrolled and on track for initial data anticipated in third quarter of 2019 followed by New Drug Application (NDA) filings -

 

- Combined pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial in BBS and Alström Syndrome on target and expected to complete enrollment in second half of 2019 -

 

Boston, MA — January 4, 2019 - Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:RYTM), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutics for the treatment of rare genetic disorders of obesity, today announced that the company will outline expected 2019 milestones and review updated clinical data from its Phase 2 basket studies of setmelanotide in patients with BBS in a presentation at the 37th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on Thursday, January 10, 2019. Setmelanotide is a first-in-class melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonist.

 

“We expect 2019 to be an important year for Rhythm, marked by key advancements across our clinical development program for setmelanotide and culminating in preparations for the submission of our first NDA for POMC and LEPR deficiency obesity,” said Keith Gottesdiener, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Rhythm. “Our significant achievements in 2018, including completing pivotal enrollment in our Phase 3 trials in POMC and LEPR deficiency obesity, initiating an additional pivotal trial in BBS and Alström Syndrome, and beginning to build an integrated patient community, have brought us closer to providing a first-in-class therapeutic option for people living with rare genetic disorders of obesity who have no approved treatments for reducing body weight and hunger.”

 

Updated BBS Data from Phase 2 Basket Studies and Pivotal Phase 3 Trial Design

 

Today, Rhythm announced updated clinical data from two adolescent patients in its Phase 2 basket studies evaluating setmelanotide for the treatment of BBS who previously had only short-term results (18 and 15 weeks of total treatment). Data is now available for 47 and 41 weeks of treatment. These two patients have lost 11.2% (-13.7 kg) and 15.5% (-13.7 kg) of their body weight and experienced hunger score reductions of 66% and 21%, respectively. Treatment with setmelanotide continues to be well tolerated and safety data were consistent with previous clinical studies. In total, six out of nine BBS patients enrolled in the Phase 2 basket studies have now achieved a clinically meaningful weight loss of 10% change from baseline, which is the primary endpoint for the company’s pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial, and, as previously reported, one additional patient with Type-1 diabetes responded with marked improvements in hunger score and blood sugar levels.

 

In December 2018, Rhythm began treating patients in a combined pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating setmelanotide in BBS and Alström Syndrome and expects to complete pivotal enrollment of at least 20 patients with BBS and at least six patients with Alström Syndrome in the second half of 2019.

 

Progress in Phase 3 Clinical Trials in POMC and LEPR Deficiency Obesity

 

Rhythm’s ongoing, separate pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials evaluating setmelanotide in POMC and LEPR deficiency obesity continue to progress, with topline data expected in the third quarter of 2019. Pending positive results, the

 


 

company expects to submit an NDA filing for each of POMC and LEPR deficiency obesity to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in late 2019 or early 2020.

 

“In 2019, Rhythm expects to make significant strides toward our vision of becoming a fully-integrated biotechnology company, as we approach the anticipated submissions of concurrent NDAs for setmelanotide in POMC and LEPR deficiency obesity,” said Murray Stewart, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Rhythm. “As we advance toward this milestone, we are working hard to build an integrated community of patients, physicians, payors and caregivers, in order to better understand the burden of these disorders and ensure that people living with these conditions are diagnosed and readily able to access treatment.”

 

Additional Development Pipeline Updates

 

Rhythm continues to evaluate setmelanotide for the treatment of additional rare genetic disorders of obesity in its Phase 2 basket studies, including POMC and other MC4R pathway deficiency heterozygous obesities, as well as POMC epigenetic disorders. The company expects to announce updated interim data from these disorders in the first quarter of 2019. In addition, Rhythm is continuing to expand the evaluation of setmelanotide into additional MC4R pathway disorders in its Phase 2 basket studies.

 

Webcast Information

 

Rhythm will webcast its corporate presentation from the 37th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. PST (1:00 p.m. EST). Live webcasts of the presentation and subsequent breakout session can be accessed under “Events & Presentations” in the Investors & Media section of the company’s website at www.rhythmtx.com. A replay of the webcasts will be available on the Rhythm website for 30 days.

 

About Setmelanotide

 

Setmelanotide is a potent, first-in-class, MC4R agonist in development for the treatment of rare genetic disorders of obesity. Setmelanotide activates MC4R, part of the key biological pathway that independently regulates energy expenditure and appetite. Variants in genes within the MC4R pathway are associated with unrelenting hunger and severe, early-onset obesity. Rhythm is currently developing setmelanotide as a replacement therapy for patients with monogenic defects upstream of MC4R, for whom there are no effective or approved therapies. The FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to setmelanotide for the treatment of obesity associated with genetic defects upstream of the MC4 receptor in the leptin-melanocortin pathway, which includes POMC deficiency obesity, LEPR deficiency obesity, BBS and Alström Syndrome. The European Medicines Agency has also granted PRIority MEdicines (PRIME) designation for setmelanotide for the treatment of obesity and the control of hunger associated with deficiency disorders of the MC4R pathway.

 

About Rhythm

 

Rhythm is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapies for the treatment of rare genetic disorders of obesity. Rhythm is currently evaluating the efficacy and safety of setmelanotide, the company’s first-in-class MC4R agonist, in Phase 3 studies in patients with POMC deficiency obesity, LEPR deficiency obesity, BBS, and Alström Syndrome. Rhythm is dedicated to improving the understanding of severe obesity that results from specific genetic disorders. For healthcare professionals, visit www.UncommonObesity.com for more information. For patients and caregivers, visit www.LEADforRareObesity.com for more information. The company is based in Boston, MA.

 


 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This press release contains certain statements that are forward-looking within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding Rhythm’s expectations regarding its expectations for 2019, anticipated timing for enrollment and design of clinical trials, the timing for filing of an NDA, and the release of results of clinical trials. Statements using word such as “expect”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “may”, “will” and similar terms are also forward looking statements.  Such statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, our ability to enroll patients in clinical trials, the outcome of clinical trials, the impact of competition, the ability to achieve or obtain necessary regulatory approvals, risks associated with data analysis and reporting, and expenses, and other risks as may be detailed from time to time in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligations to make any revisions to the forward-looking statements contained in this release or to update them to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this release, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

 

Investor Contact:

Hannah Deresiewicz

Stern Investor Relations, Inc.

212-362-1200

hannahd@sternir.com

 

Media Contact:

Adam Daley

Berry & Company Public Relations

212-253-8881

adaley@berrypr.com

 


Exhibit 99.2

 

Company Presentation - January 2019 Rhythm Pharmaceuticals: Targeting upstream MC4R pathway defects to transform the care of genetic obesity

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Forward Looking Statements This presentation contains certain statements that are forward-looking within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding Rhythm's expectations for 2019 and 2020, anticipated timing for enrollment, design and completion of clinical trials, the timing for filing of an NDA, the release of results of clinical trials, expectations regarding the use of cash, and Rhythm’s strategy, prospects and plans. Statements using word such as "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "may", "will" and similar terms are also forward looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, our ability to enroll patients in clinical trials, the outcome of clinical trials, the impact of competition, the ability to achieve or obtain necessary regulatory approvals, risks associated with data analysis and reporting, our expenses, and other risks as may be detailed from time to time in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligations to make any revisions to the forward-looking statements contained in this presentation or to update them to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this presentation, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

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Transforming the Care of Patients with Genetic Obesity The MC4R pathway is the key pathway regulating weight and hunger. Genetic defects in the MC4R pathway cause insatiable hunger, leading to severe and early-onset obesity There are currently no effective or approved treatments for people living with rare MC4R pathway disorders Potential First-in-Class Therapy Setmelanotide is an MC4R agonist designed to rescue the pathway from genetic defects that occur upstream of MC4R receptor: Dramatic reductions in weight and hunger observed in four rare MC4R pathway disorders: Awarded FDA Breakthrough Therapy and EMA PRIME designations Pivotal Phase 3 trials ongoing in all four indications Phase 2 development ongoing in two additional MC4R-pathway disorders: Preliminary efficacy demonstrated in heterozygous and epigenetic disorders of MC4R-pathway Multiple Avenues to Accelerate Growth GO-ID Genotyping Study and TEMPO Registry: Enable clinical study enrollment, patient identification and exploration of new genetic variants tied to MC4R loss of function Rhythm Basket Study: Facilitates rapid enrollment and exploration of setmelanotide’s potential in patients with new genetic targets or syndromes tied to the MC4R pathway Pipeline Expansion: Leverage Rhythm expertise to treat additional rare genetic obesity disorders

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Meet Katy: Living with an MC4R Pathway Disorder “It causes extreme unrelenting hunger and excessive eating. As a child the fridge and food was controlled massively but nobody could understand that I was desperately hungry and just wanted to stop that feeling.” INFANCY: “Normal” weight at birth, but begins to rapidly gain weight at 9 weeks 4 years: Diagnosed with POMC Heterozygous Deficiency Obesity CHILDHOOD: Self-isolation and missed school days Asthmatic, increased pain and pressure on her knees make play and PE difficult ADOLESCENCE: Put on anti-depresseants Numbness and agonizing back pain Abnormal pubertal development 23 years (current): Sleep apnea; some cardiac issues; insulin resistance. Cracked and bleeding skin Genetic Disorders of Obesity Impact Every Aspect of Daily Life 23 years, 450 pounds 11 years, 231 pounds 3 years

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Setmelanotide Rescues the Impaired MC4R Pathway Upstream XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ALMS1 BBSx LEPR PCSK1 POMC LEPR deficiency Alström syndrome POMC deficiency Bardet-Biedl syndrome Homozygous, compound heterozygous, heterozygous, epigenetic dysfunction MC4R pathway genes Activation Downstream MC4R MC4R ExpressingNeuron Setmelanotide Appetite Energy Expenditure Weight Loss Genetic Defects in the MC4R Pathway Cause Insatiable Hunger and Obesity MSH Genetic targets identified for future investigation Other potentially relevant gene targets XXXX XXXX XXXX Genetic targets currently under investigation

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Setmelanotide: Potential First-in-Class Replacement Therapy for MC4R Pathway Disorders

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Setmelanotide: 8 amino acid peptide with high potency (EC50 0.27nM) Administered by once daily subcutaneous injection Retains the specificity and functionality of the naturally-occurring hormone Once-weekly formulation in clinical development Developed in partnership with Camurus Terminal half-life ~123 hours Previous clinical trials with approximately 300 obese patients demonstrated statistically significant weight loss and favorable tolerability profile IP: Composition of matter in all major markets US patent, with possible Hatch-Waxman extension, to 2032 Highly competitive cost of goods sold Overview of Setmelanotide Potent first-in-class MC4R agonist * NOAEL: No-observed-effect-level

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Basket Study: Foundation for Achieving POC in MC4R Pathway Disorders Indications enrolled in Phase 2: POC Achieved, Phase 3 initiated: POMC, LEPR, BBS & Alström Syndrome Pre-POC, Phase 2 ongoing: MC4R pathway heterozygous obesity, POMC epigenetic obesity New Indications: Additional genetic targets upstream of MC4 receptor Close coordination with GO-ID Genotyping Study: Patients with genetic mutations identified from GO-ID study eligible to enroll in basket study Phase 2 Basket Study Designed to facilitate rapid progress to proof of concept (POC) in potential new indications for setmelanotide If significant weight loss and acceptable safety and tolerability is demonstrated 3 month proof-of-concept study phase: Weight loss, hunger and other metabolic parameters are measured 1 year open-label, single-arm, proof of concept extension studies

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1.5 mg 1.5 mg 1.5 mg 1.0 POMC and LEPR Phase 2 Studies: Patients #1 * Figures represent cumulative weight lost in kgs Not all patients had similar responses (1) Kühnen, et. al, Proopiomelanocortin Deficiency Treated with a Melanocortin-4 Receptor Agonist. N Engl J Med. July 2016 . Yellow vertical bars represent intervals with dose withdrawal or modifications (2) Biebermann, et al. MC4R Agonism Promotes Durable Weight Loss in Patients with Leptin Receptor Deficiency. Nat Med. 2018 May 7. 20 yr old female Starting Weight = 155.0 kg Starting BMI = 49.8 kg/m2 POMC Patient #1(1) 23 yr old male – LEPR Mutation Starting Weight = 130.6 kg Starting BMI = 39.9 kg/m2 LEPR Patient #1(2) -66.5 kg* -42.9% 0.5 1.0 1.5 mg -29.0 kg* -22.2% Weight Change (kg) Hunger Score (0-10 points) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 -80 -70 -60 -50 -40 -30 -20 -10 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120

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Weight Change (kg) Hunger Score (0-10 points) BBS and Alström Syndrome Phase 2 Studies: Patients #1 * Figures represent cumulative weight lost in kgs Not all patients had similar responses (1) Haws et al. Effect of the Melanocortin-4 Receptor Agonist Setmelanotide on Obesity and Hyperphagia in Individuals Affected by Bardet-Biedl Syndrome. ESPE 2018, Sept. 28, 2018. (2) Han et al. Effect of Setmelanotide (MC4R Agonist) on Obesity and Hunger in Individuals With Alström Syndrome. ObesityWeek 2018, November 15, 2018. (3) From week 49 onwards, the dose was lowered to 0.5 mg five times a week 25 yr old male - BBS1 Mutation Starting Weight = 147.5 kg Starting BMI = 44 kg/m2 BBS Patient #1(1) 2.5 mg 1.0 mg 1.5 mg 2.0 mg -37.7 kg* -26% 12 yr old male Starting Weight = 78.6 kg Starting BMI = 27.8 kg/m2 AS Patient #1(2) 2.0 mg 1.5 mg 0.5 mg(3) 0.5 mg 1.0 mg 1.5 mg -16.4 kg* 21% 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 -40 -35 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72

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Phase 2 BBS and Alström Results1 Support Advancement to Phase 3 (1) Haws RM et al. Effect of the Melanocortin-4 Receptor Agonist Setmelanotide on Obesity and Hyperphagia in Individuals Affected by Bardet-Biedl Syndrome. ESPE 2018. Abstract RFC6.3. Updated data for pts. 6 & 7 announced by Rhythm in January 2019. Variant Sex Age, years Treatment, weeks Weight Change Hunger Score Reduction Patient 1 BBS1 Male 25 65 -26% (-37.7 kg) 44% Patient 2 BBS2 Female 61 55 -15% (-14.5 kg) 86% Patient 3 BBS10 Female 16 64 -24% (-29.1 kg) N/A Patient 4 BBS12 Female 17 50 -24% (-23.1 kg) 83% Patient 6 BBS5 Female 16 47 -11.2% (-13.7 kg) 66% Patient 7 BBS4 Female 14 41 -15.5% (-13.7 kg) 21% 6 of 9 BBS patients achieved clinically significant weight loss of >10% change from baseline Patients 6 and 7: Updated data (Jan. 2019) demonstrate longer-term weight loss and hunger score reductions 3 patients discontinued treatment Patient 5 (pediatric patient with BBS1 variant and type 1 diabetes) experienced 53.3% reduction in hunger and reduction in hemoglobin A1c (10.1% to 7.6%) before withdrawing Two patients (one non-genetically confirmed) withdrew due to lack of weight loss

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Additional Indications in Phase 2 Basket Study Heterozygous and Epigenetic Obesity Disorders Focus on most debilitated patients MC4R pathway heterozygous deficiency: one loss of function allele POMC epigenetic disorders: disease caused by DNA modifications that can change gene expression without altering DNA Initial preliminary data as of June 2018: MC4R pathway heterozygous deficiency: positive initial weight and hunger responses in two evaluable patients POMC epigenetic disorders: positive initial weight and hunger response in one evaluable epigenetic patient Updated interim data expected in first quarter of 2019 Plan to continue enrolling additional patients, in order to better identify those likely to benefit from setmelanotide and inform next steps

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Setmelanotide has been evaluated in over 300 obese subjects Setmelanotide has been generally well-tolerated Most AEs are mild and non-mechanism based: Mild injection site reactions Darkening of skin (tanning) and skin lesions, mediated by the closely related MC1 receptor (the natural “tanning” receptor) Discontinuations are rare; no increase in CV parameters Setmelanotide Has Been Generally Well-Tolerated Safety and Tolerability

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Ongoing Pivotal Phase 3 Trials in POMC, LEPR and BBS/Alström All pivotal trials share a common design: Patients aged > 6 ~1-year trial duration, with long-term extension Dosage: Daily subcutaneous injection 1o endpoint: categorical analysis of responders(1) Key 2o endpoints include mean weight loss and hunger measures Supplemental patients enrolling beyond pivotal cohorts to generate additional data POMC and LEPR Phase 3 Trials Pivotal cohorts (n~10) fully enrolled for each trial Top-line data from both trials expected in 3Q19 BBS/Alström Combined Phase 3 Trial Pivotal cohort (n~30), with at least 20 BBS patients and 6 Alström patients 14-week placebo-controlled period, followed by completion of active open-label treatment for total duration of ~52 weeks Completion of pivotal enrollment expected in 2H19 (1) Percentage of patients who have at least a 10% reduction in body weight at approximately one year.

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Building a Community for the Treatment of Rare Genetic Disorders of Obesity

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Epidemiology Suggests Significant Market Opportunity GENETIC EPIDEMIOLOGY(2) ~13,000 individuals in the U.S. with POMC or LEPR -- a five-fold increase over the clinical epidemiology estimate. CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY Up to 5,000 patients in U.S.(1) * The patient numbers above are based on company estimates Rhythm believes that the addressable patient population in Europe is at least as large as in the U.S. (2) Ayers et al. Melanocortin-4 Receptor Pathway Dysfunction in Obesity: Patient Stratification Aimed at MC4R Agonist Treatment. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018 May 2. doi: 10.1210/jc.2018-00258. JCEM citation BBS and Alström Syndrome: Syndromic Disorders Patients often known to the medical system. E.g: Over 450 BBS patients enrolled in CRIBBS registry POMC & LEPR Deficiency Obesity: Non-Syndromic Disorders Patients diagnosed after genetic screening. Alström: 500-1,000 (worldwide) POMC: 100-500* LEPR: 500-2,000* BBS: 1,500-2,500*

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Rhythm-Sponsored Initiatives to Expand Addressable Patient Population Identifies individuals with rare genetic disorders of obesity who may be eligible for further study and treatment with setmelanotide . Rhythm-Sponsored Phase 2 Basket Study Designed to facilitate rapid progress to proof of concept in potential new indications for setmelanotide Commitment to understanding the ongoing impact and burden of disease on patients and their caregivers TRACING THE EFFECT OF THE MC4R PATHWAY IN OBESITY

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GO-ID Genotyping Initiative Genotyping study of individuals with obesity >2 years of age Identifies individuals with rare genetic disorders of obesity who may be eligible for further study and treatment with setmelanotide . Recruitment via outreach to HCPs caring for patients with severe obesity Expected enrollment of > 9,000 patients from more than 140 centers worldwide Individuals identified with mutations in MC4R pathway genes may be enroll in future clinical trials, observational trials, or TEMPO registry Goal: Increase the frequency of genetic testing and shift practice patterns among treating physicians Genotyping panel includes over 100 genes associated with genetic obesity

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Community Building Through the TEMPO Registry Commitment to understanding the ongoing impact and burden of disease on patients and their caregivers Facilitates enhanced understanding of these conditions in the medical community Builds upon ongoing collaborations with existing patient registries (e.g., CRIBBS for BBS) Target enrollment of ~1,000 patients Genetic screening through GO-ID Potential enrollment in Basket study PCSK1 POMC LEPR AFF4 BBS 1-20 ALMS1 CPE GNAS INPP5E HTR2C IRS2 KSR2 MAGEL2 LEP MC3R MC4R MRAP2 PMCH NHLH2 PROK2 RAB23 RAI1 SH2B1 SRC1 BDNF NTRK2 RPS6KA3 SIM1 THRB TEMPO is for individuals with specific variants in the MC4R pathway genes, that include at least one of the following: MC4R Pathway Hets TRACING THE EFFECT OF THE MC4R PATHWAY IN OBESITY

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Rhythm Achieved Key Milestones in 2018 Completed enrollment in POMC & LEPR Phase 3 trials Announced updated positive Phase 2 BBS & Alström results Breakthrough Therapy and EMA Prime designation expanded to include BBS & Alström Enrolled first patient in pivotal Phase 3 study in BBS & Alström Advanced Phase 2 trials of MC4R pathway heterozygous deficiency and epigenetic disorders Launched TEMPO registry to gather information about people affected by rare genetic disorders of obesity In-licensed RM-853, potential therapy for Prader-Willi Completed follow-on offering, extending expected cash runway to second half of 2020

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Rhythm Expects Significant Growth in 2019 and 2020 1Q19 Updated interim data for MC4R pathway heterozygous and epigenetic obesity disorders 3Q19 Topline data from both POMC and LEPR Phase 3 studies 4Q19-1Q20 Initial NDA submission filings for setmelanotide in POMC and LEPR 2H19 Complete pivotal enrollment in BBS and Alström Phase 3 study 2019 Update on ongoing efforts to increase patient identification 2019 Expand Phase 2 basket studies into additional MC4R pathway disorders 2020 Topline data from BBS and Alström Phase 3 study

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Living with the Insatiable Hunger and Obesity that Characterize BBS “As our daughter Lucy grows older, the weight obstacle of BBS looms more ominously before us, hindering much of what we do. Lucy measures most of her activities and much of her happiness around when her next meal is, what food is available where, and it is an overwhelming task to help her take control. Weight affects so much in her life and we are working so hard to fight to give her a more fulfilling life without the confines that obesity presents.” -Shawni, mother to Lucy, a child living with BBS

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Appendix

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Indication PRE-CLINICAL PHASE 1 PHASE 2 PHASE 3 SETMELANOTIDE POMC Deficiency Obesity LEPR Deficiency Obesity Bardet-Biedl Syndrome Alström Syndrome POMC & Other MC4R Pathway Heterozygous Deficiency Obesities POMC Epigenetic Disorders RM-853 (GHRELIN O-ACYLTRANSFERASE INHIBITOR) Prader-Willi Syndrome Rhythm Pipeline Rhythm is currently assessing opportunities to further evaluate setmelanotide in PWS and plans to pursue these in parallel with the development of RM-853.

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Setmelanotide 3 mg Placebo Double-blind treatment (Period 1) 14 weeks Dose titration Phase (2 weeks) Long-Term Extension Phase Screening 2-3 weeks Week 0 Primary endpoint assessed Extension study Week 52 38 weeks Setmelanotide 3 mg Open-label treatment (Period 2) Week 14 14 weeks Setmelanotide 3 mg Open-label treatment (Period 3) Bardet Biedl & Alström Syndrome: Phase 3 Study Design Primary Endpoint: Percentage of patients (12 years of age and older at Week 0) who have at least a 10% reduction in body weight at Week 52

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Phase 3 Study Update Protocol Final comments from FDA have been incorporated Study enrollment milestones First patient with BBS enrolled Study enrollment goals Enrollment minimum: 20 BBS patients 6 Alström Syndrome patients Centers of excellence Marshfield Clinic Health System Bob Haws, MD University College London Great Ormand Street Institute of Child Health Phil Beales, MD Confirmed Countries United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Netherlands, Spain

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RM-853: Potent, Orally Available GOAT Inhibitor for PWS GOAT is key enzyme involved in producing active ghrelin Blocking GOAT results in: Lower levels of active ghrelin, and Increased levels of DAG, a ghrelin precursor believed to have independent beneficial effects In preclinical studies with high fat-fed mice, RM-853 prevented body weight gain and reduced fat mass, with favorable PK, PD and safety profile Development plan complements and expands ongoing efforts RM-853 IND filing expected Q1 2020 Still planning to evaluate setmelanotide in PWS, in parallel with development of RM-853 Future Phase 2 trial of setmelanotide may evaluate longer durations of treatment, higher doses, younger patients and operational limitations of prior trial Given setmelanotide and RM-853’s distinct mechanisms of action, will explore opportunities to evaluate in combination, as there may be complementary effects Ghrelin is tightly correlated with hunger signals throughout the day People with PWS have higher ghrelin levels

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Cash expected to be sufficient to Fund Operations into 2H ‘20 SHARES OUTSTANDING as of 9/30/2018 34,382,525 (basic) 36,857,315 million (fully-diluted) $ 272.4 million CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS as of 9/30/2018 Raised $163M in net proceeds in June 2018 follow-on offering

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