Quantum Genomics Corp. (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 Named BAPAI
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
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