Quantum Genomics Initiates Phase IIa trial for Heart Failure, the second strategic initiative for its BAPAI therapeutic platform July 06, 2016, 10:35

 The first three clinical centres of the European trial have been opened in France and Norway.

Faiez Zannad, Professor of Therapeutic Cardiology at the University of Lorraine (Nancy CHU teaching hospital), is the principal investigator and is directing the trial in collaboration with Dr. Olivier Madonna, Chief Medical Officer at Quantum Genomics.

The randomized double-blind trial plans to enroll a total of 75 patients to test the effects of the drug candidate, QGC101, at multiple doses in chronic heart failure sufferers with altered cardiac ejection fraction.

The first clinical centres have been initiated at Louis Pradel Hospital in Lyon (France), Stavanger University Hospital in Stavanger (Norway) and Laennec Hospital in Nantes (France). The sites were opened after obtaining the regulatory authorizations in France and Norway in the spring of 2016, a process that is currently continuing in other European countries. The trial is designed to be conducted in 10 hospitals in six countries.

Lionel Ségard, Chairman of Quantum Genomics, commented:
«In conjunction with our clinical development, which is actively continuing for the treatment of high blood pressure and will have published Phase IIa results in the third quarter this year, Quantum Genomics is now opening a new application in the cardiovascular field through the heart failure indication. Also based on the BAPAI therapeutic platform, QUID HF has the potential to be a significant catalyst for our company, with major market potential due to the extent and severity of this disease and the manifest need for new drug therapy options for patients around the world.»

Heart failure is a major public health problem with a persistent urgent need for new therapeutic treatments. Despite some medical advances, the vital prognosis associated with heart failure is very poor, as more than 50% of people diagnosed with heart failure die within five years. Heart failure today affects more than 23 million people worldwide, of which 5.8 million are in the United Sates according to American Heart Association data. Direct and indirect annual costs connected with heart failure worldwide in 2012 amounted to approximately $108 billion. The global market for heart failure drugs was estimated to be $39 billion in 2015.