We’re Prioritizing our Phase III Studies with a Primary Focus on Preventing Cancer Associated Thrombosis: Thomas Lines of Quercis Pharma AG

“Our lead drug candidate, internally designated as Kinisoquin™ is an anti-thrombotic which inhibits the clotting process within the vascular system rather than an anticoagulant which typically thins the blood.”

Quercis Pharma AG is a Zug-based clinical-stage biotechnology company. Quercis hopes to leverage its novel, proprietary and orally available anti-thrombotic, anti-cancer, antiviral and immuno-modulatory platforms to deliver innovative, effective, safe and broadly accessible treatments to patients with potentially life-threatening conditions addressing significant unmet medical needs.

The Silicon Review reached out to Thomas Lines, CEO of Quercis Pharma AG, and here’s what he had to say.

Interview Highlights

Q. Please tell us about the circumstances or events that led to the founding of Quercis Pharma.

Quercis Pharma AG was established in late 2019 through the acquisition of several pharma assets from different companies in the US and Europe. These assets, based on purified plant extracts and small molecules, were partly acquired from Quercegen, which had previously acquired Merck KGaA’s Natural Products Business back in 2009.

Q. What strategies does Quercis Pharma implement to exceed patient expectations?

Quercis Pharma is a clinical-stage biotechnology company with three Phase III-ready assets under development. These assets demonstrate significant potential, with market opportunities for each of them estimated in the billions of dollars. Notably, one of these assets addresses a substantial unmet medical need, specifically targeting Cancer Associated Thrombosis Prevention in Pancreatic Cancer. The second asset targets Ovarian Cancer. The third asset focuses on Sickle Cell Disease, presenting a valuable opportunity to introduce a safe and effective medication at an accessible price point to meet market demands effectively.

Q. As a leading biopharmaceutical company, what are Quercis Pharma’s key focus areas?   

We focus on thrombosis, the world’s biggest killer, including cancer-associated thrombosis, myocardial infarction, virally induced thrombosis, and COPD-induced thrombosis. Our lead drug candidate, internally designated as Kinisoquin^™, is an anti-thrombotic, inhibiting the clotting process within the vascular system. Unlike conventional anticoagulants or blood thinners, Kinisoquin^™ operates uniquely by preventing clot formation without promoting additional bleeding or bruising, thereby offering robust thrombosis prevention capabilities.

We are also working on drugs for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Q. Can you provide us with one or two success stories, detailing specific client challenges and how Quercis Pharma’s solutions contributed to their success? 

As Quercis focuses on R&D, our current phase of Phase III studies entails pre-revenue and pre-registration stages for new drugs. In this capacity, we do not have clients in the conventional sense; rather, our interactions primarily involve Human Clinical Trial Subjects or patients. Our objective is to pioneer cost-effective and medically efficient drug solutions, with the aim of revolutionizing the treatment landscape for thrombosis in cancer, cancer itself across all solid tumors, and expanding our efforts to encompass neurological disorders, beginning with ALS, as well as widespread respiratory diseases such as COPD.

Q. Tell us about the Quercis Pharma team. What value do they bring to the company?   

Quercis Pharma AG prides itself on its highly experienced Board and Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Jean-Pierre Bizzari, the Chair of our SAB, has overseen the regulatory process for an impressive 17 cancer drugs—an achievement that may remain unmatched for the foreseeable future.

Q. What new endeavors is Quercis Pharma currently undertaking?   

We are prioritizing our Phase III studies with a primary focus on preventing Cancer Associated Thrombosis. Sickle Cell Disease and ALS are next on the list with COPD to follow.

Q. Is there anything you would like to add before we wrap up?

This is an interesting time as the pharmaceutical industry navigates the search for the next breakthrough anticoagulant, especially with the impending expiration of patents for drugs like Eliquis within the next five years. Recent setbacks, such as Bayer’s challenges with their Factor XIa inhibitor, along with the anticipated 2024 readout of BMS’ Milvexian^®, will provide crucial insights into the future landscape of this sector. At Quercis, we are confident in the superiority of our drug candidate, Kinisoquin™ and its anti-thrombotic activity, compared to competitors. However, only time will ultimately determine the outcome. It is for the ultimate beneficiary of all medical research, the patient, that we strive for the best. We want the best new drugs to succeed regardless of whether they come from Quercis or not.

“We focus on thrombosis, the world’s biggest killer, including cancer-associated thrombosis, myocardial infarction, virally induced thrombosis, and COPD-induced thrombosis.”

“Our objective is to pioneer cost-effective and medically efficient drug solutions, with the aim of revolutionizing the treatment landscape for thrombosis in cancer, cancer itself across all solid tumors, and expanding our efforts to encompass neurological disorders, beginning with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), as well as widespread respiratory diseases like COPD.”