Thomas Lines, CEOFor thrombosis, Quercis Pharma’s efforts are concentrated initially on the prevention of cancer-associated thrombosis. Reports have shown that in certain cancers, the risk of thrombosis after patients start first-line chemotherapy can vary from 5 to 30 percent, with a significant additional risk in second and third-line chemotherapy treatments. The company’s lead drug candidate containing isoquercetin and vitamins B3 and C and known internally as Kinisoquin™, is about to start Phase 3 clinical trials and Quercis expects that it will both largely mitigate the risk of thrombosis and be the first drug to meet this vast unmet medical need.
Quercis Pharma's innovative drugs, including Kinisoquin™ and Kinisoquin FX™, target Protein Disulfide Isomerase (PDI) and Interleukin 17 (IL17), implicated in a wide spectrum of human diseases. The company’s goal is to revolutionize treatment paradigms by offering effective solutions with minimal side effects, challenging the misconception that effective drugs necessitate negative consequences. The unique mechanism of Kinisoquin™, functioning as an oral anti-thrombotic without the bleeding risks associated with conventional blood thinners, holds the potential to prevent venous thrombosis (VTE) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in cancer patients, as well as in individuals with recurrent stroke danger, COPD, and heart disease.
When it comes to combatting Sickle Cell Disease, a condition predominantly affecting economically disadvantaged populations of color, Quercis Pharma’s oral drug holds the promise of being able to prevent thrombotic events and associated pain crises thus controlling the disease at minimal cost expected to be around $7,000 per patient per year in wealthy populations and very significantly less in economically disadvantaged populations.
On the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) side, an area with substantial unmet needs, Quercis Pharma's innovative approach involves a combination of repurposed medications. The identification of crucial biological markers is paving the way for potential breakthroughs in ALS treatment. Further, the company has made noteworthy strides in addressing viral diseases, collaborating on Ebola research with the Canadian government.
Quercis Pharma puts a strong emphasis on social responsibility, advocating for affordable treatments globally. It rejects overpriced medications with limited efficacy, envisioning a future where life-saving drugs are accessible to all, irrespective of socioeconomic status. Despite encountering challenges, including financing hurdles and opposition from established entities, Quercis Pharma remains resolute in its pursuit.
Thrombosis today is the world’s biggest killer in all diseases, whether it’s a heart attack, a stroke, cancer, COPD, or viral disease, and our core mission is to prevent it
Quercis Pharma stands as a distinctive company boasting some of the world’s most exceptional Cancer and thrombosis specialists. For instance, Dr. Jean-Pierre Bizzari, the Chairman of its Scientific Advisory Board, holds a record of overseeing the registration of 17 cancer drugs. Renowned professors from prestigious institutions such as Harvard, ETH, and other leading establishments regularly collaborate with Quercis Pharma. The dedication of these individuals, including the speaker, extends beyond monetary gain; they are driven first by a passion for science and a healthier humanity with the prospect of an eventual financial reward as a last concern.
Another example is Dr. Philippe Douste Blazy, one of Quercis Pharma’s Directors and a former Health Minister of France. He founded UNITAID, an organization that has made unprecedented strides in combating pediatric HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis and saved millions of lives.
We believe we can help to improve the quality of life of those who eventually get to use our drugs and, in some cases, extend their lifespan,” says Lines. “We play with a full deck to positively impact the lives of others and firmly advocate that where there is a will, there is indeed a way.”
