INSERM and CNRS have signed a partnership agreement with Quantum Genomics Corp (QGC), a biotech company developing new drugs for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, based in New Jersey, USA. The purpose of the agreement is to codevelop innovative drugs for high blood pressure (HBP) and related cardiovascular diseases. Under the terms of the contract, Quantum Genomics Corp acquires rights to exploit three patents and associated skills and expertise. INSERM and CNRS will be working on the physiopathology, chemistry and understanding of compound mechanism of action whereas the Jersey City based company will be handling preclinical and clinical development, and regulatory aspects.
Called QGC001, the first candidate drug selected under the terms of the partnership agreement is a new chemical entity derived from discoveries by teams led by Dr. Catherine Llorens-Cortes, Director of INSERM Unit 691 based at the Collège de France, and by Professor Bernard P. Roques at INSERM Unit 640 based at Paris Descartes University. The compound acts according to a new biological mechanism with a huge potential to facilitate control of blood pressure in patients who are resistant to currently available anti-HBP drugs. Quantum Genomics Corp expects to start the first human clinical trials in 2008.
