MASSY, FRANCE--(Marketwire - February 01, 2011) - Quantum Genomics (NYSE Euronext Paris: MLQGC) announced today that EUR 1.4
million in funding has been granted by the National Research Agency (ANR)
for a
collaborative research project associated with its proprietary lead
compound
QGC001, the first orally active brain aminopeptidase A inhibitor.
The project, called BAPAI, is aiming at demonstrating the clinical
efficacy of
QGC 001 as antihypertensive drug.
Quantum Genomics is the coordinator of this consortium centered
around 3
academic partners which bring complementary competences with the goal
of
successfully achieving the objective of the BAPAI project:
- Inserm U691 « Neuropeptides centraux et régulations
hydrique et
cardiovasculaire »
- UNIVERSITÉ PARIS DESCARTES/INSERM UMRS 1022 UMR 8151 «
Pharmacologie chimique
et génétique »
- CIC 9201 « CIC HEGP (EX-BROUSSAIS) »
Hypertension (high blood pressure) affects an estimated 1 billion
people
worldwide.
Despite the availability of many treatments, high blood pressure
remains
incontrolled in 30 to 60% of hypertensive patients (49% in France, X
Girerd et
al. 2008).
In addition, overall incidence of resistant hypertension to at least
three
antihypertensive drugs (including a diuretic) is estimated to be 15%
of the
hypertensive population.
Low Renin and High Vasopressin levels (LRHV) is a common condition.
Patients
with LRHV profile account for nearly 30% of all hypertensive patients
and are
characterized by having reduced response to ACE inhibitors, angiotensin
receptor
blockers (ARBs), and beta-blockers.
QGC001's objective is to offer a therapeutic alternative for the
treatment of
High Blood Pressure. The unique mechanism of action of QGC001
(selective
inhibition of brain aminopeptidase A) makes it also a promising drug
for the
treatment of hypertensive patients with LHRV profile.
Quantum Genomics owns the worldwide exclusive license from Inserm for QGC
001.
"300 million people worldwide who have an "LRHV" profile, have their
blood
pressure not controlled properly by existing drugs and, therefore are at
risk of
stroke, heart infarction or other heart and vessels diseases, said
Lionel
Ségard, CEO of Quantum Genomics "The project BAPAI is based on an
outstanding
innovation of INSERM. The support of the ANR to the consortium will
allow the
setting of the first clinical trials needed to demonstrate the value
of our
innovation to treat patients.
The preclinical program of QGC001 received the support from OSEO and was
also
granted with a positive scientific advice from AFSSAPS.
This program should provide evidence that QGC 001 is the first of
a new
therapeutic class, bringing a new efficient solution to patients.
Then, the first choice of antihypertensive drug treatment will be done
in a
personalized medicine approach, linked to the Renin Vasopressin profile of
each
individual.
In addition to optimized clinical efficacy, this approach will avoid the
side
effects of unsuited drugs, which is becoming more and more critical these
days",
adds Lionel Ségard
About Quantum Genomics.
QGC is a biotechnology company seeking to develop new therapies in areas
where
an unmet medical need exists. QGC is presently focused on the
treatment of
hypertension.
It will co-develop those products with academic teams and will set up
strategic
alliances and commercial partnerships with larger company in order to make
it to
market.
The company is headquartered in Massy France under the leadership of
Lionel
Ségard, supported by a management team of experienced people,
including Fabrice
Balavoine (VP Research & Development) and Michel Lepers (VP
Business
Development)
For more information go towww.quantum-genomics.com
GLOSSARY
ANR Agence Nationale pour la Recherche
French National Agency for Research
CIC 9201 Centre d'Investigation Clinique Hôpital Européen Georges
Pompidou.
Clinical Investigation Center Paris
AFSSAPS : Agence française de sécurité sanitaire des
produits de santé
French Drug Safety Agency
Inserm : Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche
médicale
French National Institute for Health and Medical Research
Oséo Agence de financement de l'innovation
French Agency supporting and funding innovation
For additionnal glossary on Hypertension please visit :
http://www.controlhypertension.org/resources/glossary/
Press release February 1 2011:
http://hugin.info/146217/R/1484362/419550.pdf
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Source: Quantum Genomics via Thomson Reuters ONE
[HUG#1484362]
