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EVade™ Ribonucleases (RNases) are the only proteins under development to target the RNA in cancer cells. These RNases are based on naturally occurring human RNases, which have a few amino acid substitutions to evade their natural inhibitor inside cells. The lead candidate, QBI-139, is 95% identical to human RNase I. The EVade™ RNases are taken up by endocytosis. Relative selectivity has been demonstrated with a good therapeutic window in xenograft models. QBI-139 has a strong therapeutic window against a variety of in vivo xenograft models including: colon, non-small cell lung, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancer.

The Phase I trial of QBI-139 was done at MD Anderson Cancer Center and University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Dose escalation of QBI-139 in a Phase I trial has recently been completed. The drug showed a distinct safety profile relative to already approved drugs. The exposure profile in patients was similar to animal models. Based on encouraging indications of efficacy, an expansion cohort in a defined patient population is being planned. Based on pre-clinical and clinical results as well as market and regulatory considerations, the company is particularly interested potential expansion cohorts in: - Second or third line non-small cell lung cancer regardless of mutation status in combination with a platinum doublet, - Second line platinum refractory/resistant ovarian cancer in combination with a platinum doublet or - Post-androgen receptor antagonist in hormone resistant prostate cancer (HRPC) in combination with a SOC agent.

Quintessence is looking for $8M to fund a proof of concept (Phase Ib/IIa) clinical trial.

Once funding is available, QBI-139 can be advanced to manufacturing for the next clinical trial.

Quintessence has been funded by individual investors as well as some support from NCI SBIR grants.

The company has a strong portfolio of intellectual property related to the use of human RNases as therapeutic agents, including composition of matter patents running through 2029.

QBI-139 has completed a first-in-human, dose escalation Phase I clinical trial in patients with solid tumors.

Ralph Kauten, CEO, has been founder or senior management at a variety of successful biotech companies, including Promega, PanVera (now part of ThermoFisher), and Mirus Bio (now part of Arrowhead Research). Laura Strong is a scientist by training and overseen advancement of the RNase from discovery to end of Phase I clinical, including managing the communications with FDA.