Quantum Genomics Corp. Announces Initiation of a First-in-Human Clinical Study With QGC001, Its Lead Compound for the Treatment of Hypertension

MASSY, FRANCE--(Marketwire - April 13, 2012) -

Quantum Genomics (NYSE Euronext Paris: MLQGC), following the approval from the French Agency for Safety of Health Products (AFSSAPS), announces today the initiation of a phase I clinical study in healthy volunteers with its product QGC001. QGC001 is the first of a new class of drugs that is able to monitor high blood pressure by inhibiting the aminopeptidase A enzyme (APA) at the brain level.

Arterial hypertension affects an estimated 1 billion people worldwide (13 million people in France). Despite the availability of many antihypertensive drugs, 30% to 60% of patients diagnosed with hypertension do not have their blood pressure properly controlled by current medications for various reasons (49% in France (()[1]())). Moreover, the overall incidence of resistant hypertension to at least three antihypertensive drugs (including a diuretic) is estimatedaround 8% to 12% of the hypertensive population.

Lionel Segard, CEO of Quantum Genomics says: "This first study in Human is a major milestone for our Company and demonstrates its ability to develop an innovative compound originated from academic research. QGC001 is the first representative of a new class of antihypertensive drugs that may improve the control of blood pressure in many patients with no current appropriate drug treatment and reduce their concomitant risks of cardiovascular diseases".

APA inhibitors, amongst which QGC001 is the first to reach the clinical stage, were co-discovered by the research teams of Dr. C. Llorens-Cortes (INSERM U1050/Collège of France) and Prof. BP. Roques (INSERM U1022/CNRS/Université Paris Descartes). "QGC001 has already demonstrated its efficacy after oral administration in several experimental models of hypertension. Its mechanism of action allows it to act simultaneously on the vessels, the heart, the elimination of water and salt in the urine. QGC001 might thus be useful for all patients suffering from hypertension, particularly those with a low renin profile whose high blood pressure is often more difficult to control with conventional blockers of the renin angiotensin system", comments Dr. Catherine Llorens-Cortes.

This First-in-Human clinical trial is a single ascending oral dose, double-blind and placebo-controlled Phase I study. "The trial will aim at assessing the overall safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of QGC001 in healthy volunteers" adds Fabrice Balavoine (Vice-President Research & Development).

The trial received financial support from the French National Agency for Research (ANR BiotecS). It is conducted in partnership with the Center for Clinical Investigation 9201/APHP-INSERM led by Pr. Michel Azizi (Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou - Paris, France).

About QGC001

The objective of QGC001 is to offer a therapeutic alternative for the treatment of high blood pressure for all hypertensive patients particularly those with Low Renin High Vasopressin profile (LRHV). The LRHV patients could represent 30% of hypertensive population and have reduced response to angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), renin inhibitors and beta-blockers.

About Quantum Genomics

QGC is a biopharmaceutical company that develops new therapies in areas where an unmet medical need exists. QGC is presently focused on cardiovascular diseases and especially on arterial hypertension. The company is co-developing its products with academic teams and will build strategic alliances with industrial partners to bring them to patients. The company is based in Massy (France). The CEO, Lionel Segard, is supported by an experienced management team including Fabrice Balavoine (VP Research & Development) and Michel Lepers (VP Business Development).

For more info see: www.quantum-genomics.com

[1] Thobie H et al. BEH 2008;49-50: 478

Press release April 13 2012: http://hugin.info/146217/R/1602303/506252.pdf

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Source: Quantum Genomics via Thomson Reuters ONE [HUG#1602303]