Clinquest Group acquires rights on clinical stage anti-inflammatory peptide from University of Utrecht
Clinquest Group of Amsterdam, The Netherlands has acquired the patent rights pertaining to the clinical stage F991 peptide from the University of Utrecht, the Netherlands. The F991 peptide shows promise in the treatment of a range of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease. Under the terms of the agreement, the University of Utrecht will receive milestone fees and royalty payments but financial details were not disclosed.
The F991 peptide is a potent inhibitor of immune responses that are mediated by antigen specific free Immunoglobulin Light Chains (IgLC). F991 antagonizes binding of IgLCZs to mast cell receptors thereby preventing activation and degranulation of these cells. The IgLC mediated immunological pathway has been elucidated by researchers at the University of Utrecht and has been shown to play a role in the onset of chronic inflammatory responses and certain auto-immune reactions. Peptide F991 functions as a pharmacologically active compound regarding the inhibition of the onset of IgLC associated diseases.
Studies in animal models of disease performed by the University of Utrecht have shown that F991 is able to inhibit clinical symptoms associated with asthma or Crohn's Disease and has potential therapeutic activity in models for multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, F991 appeared to be effective via several routes of administration.
A clinical trial in healthy volunteers and two Proof of Concept trials have demonstrated that, even at high doses, F991 is safe and well tolerated in humans and shows promising biologic activity. These initial clinical trials were sponsored by Fornix Biosciences (Lelystad, the Netherlands).
Clinquest will focus on the clinical development of F991 in a number of diseases with an autoimmune component (Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria, Crohn's disease), in which elevated IgLC concentrations and mast cells are implicated. This is in line with its corporate growth strategy, which includes building a portfolio of collaborative projects on innovative therapeutic approaches, through its subsidiary Clinquest Pharmaceutical Innovations.
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