Quoin Pharmaceuticals Announces Signing of Research Agreement with University College Cork (UCC), Ireland
Quoin Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: QNRX) has signed a research agreement with University College Cork (UCC) to develop novel topical formulations of Rapamycin (sirolimus) targeting rare and orphan diseases. The focus is on using UCC's proprietary dissolvable microneedle technology to enhance local drug delivery and therapeutic effectiveness. This research program, funded by Quoin, aims to create innovative treatments for diseases lacking approved therapies. Quoin will have the option to advance clinical development without paying upfront fees or royalties. UCC's microneedles dissolve upon skin penetration, offering advantages like painless administration and minimal trauma.
- Quoin Pharmaceuticals has entered into a strategic research agreement with UCC, enhancing research capabilities.
- The agreement focuses on developing topical Rapamycin formulations, targeting rare and orphan diseases, potentially opening new treatment avenues.
- UCC's dissolvable microneedle technology offers innovative drug delivery with benefits such as painless administration, minimal trauma, and reduced infection risk.
- Quoin will fund the research program without the obligation to pay upfront license or milestone fees or royalties, potentially minimizing financial risk.
- Quoin retains the option to advance the clinical development of successful formulations, providing flexibility for future business decisions.
- The therapeutic effectiveness of Rapamycin when delivered topically remains uncertain due to its molecular size and poor solubility.
- There is a potential risk that the research program may not result in commercially viable products, impacting return on investment.
- The development process could face delays or technical challenges, which may affect investor confidence and stock performance.
The collaboration between Quoin Pharmaceuticals and the School of Pharmacy at University College Cork to develop novel topical rapamycin formulations is a significant step forward in addressing rare and orphan diseases. Rapamycin is known for inhibiting the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which can play a role in many biological processes, including growth and metabolism. This makes it a versatile candidate for various therapeutic applications; however, its poor solubility and molecular size pose challenges for topical delivery.
The use of UCC’s dissolvable microneedles technology is particularly promising. These microneedles are designed to penetrate the skin easily and dissolve rapidly, releasing active pharmaceutical agents directly into the dermal layer. This method can potentially overcome the solubility and delivery challenges associated with rapamycin, making it a more effective topical treatment. Moreover, the microneedle technology offers benefits such as painless administration and reduced risk of infection, which could enhance patient compliance and safety.
If successful, this partnership could result in new, effective treatments for rare conditions that currently have no approved therapies. This aligns with Quoin’s focus on rare and orphan diseases, potentially expanding their product pipeline and market reach. Investors should note the innovative approach being taken here and consider its long-term potential for addressing unmet medical needs.
From a financial perspective, the terms of the agreement between Quoin Pharmaceuticals and University College Cork are particularly favorable for Quoin. Notably, there are no upfront license or milestone fees and Quoin will not owe any royalties on future product sales. This minimizes financial risk and capital outlay for Quoin while allowing them to benefit from any successful outcomes of the research program.
Quoin's involvement in funding the research program could be seen as a strategic investment. By advancing the development of topical rapamycin formulations, Quoin may position itself to capitalize on any breakthroughs without significant initial financial burden. This is a cost-effective way to expand their pipeline and potentially bring new products to market, which could improve their revenue streams in the future.
While the immediate financial impact might be limited given the research-focused nature of the agreement, the long-term potential could be substantial. Investors should watch for updates on the progress of this research, as successful development could significantly boost Quoin’s market position and stock performance.
Agreement will focus on the development of novel topical rapamycin (sirolimus) formulations as potential treatments for a number of rare and orphan diseases
UCC’s proprietary dissolvable microneedles technology and other approaches will be utilized to optimize the local delivery of rapamycin
ASHBURN, Va., June 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quoin Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (NASDAQ: QNRX) (the “Company” or “Quoin”), a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on rare and orphan diseases, today announced that it has signed a research agreement with The School of Pharmacy at University College Cork, Ireland. The scope of the agreement encompasses the development of novel topical formulations of Rapamycin (sirolimus) as potential treatments for a number of rare and orphan diseases for which there are currently no approved therapies or cures. UCC will apply its proprietary dissolvable microneedle delivery technology along with other formulation approaches to optimize the local delivery of rapamycin and potentially enhance its therapeutic effectiveness as a potential treatment for several pre-identified clinical targets.
Under the terms of the agreement, Quoin will fund a research program at UCC to investigate the development of a number of topical rapamycin formulations for future development as potential treatments for several rare and orphan diseases, where it is believed that the drug’s mechanism of action may provide for clinical efficacy in these settings. Following completion of the research program, Quoin will have the option to advance the clinical development of rapamycin formulations developed by UCC. The terms of the agreement do not require Quoin to pay any upfront license or milestone fees or any royalties based on future product sales.
Dr. Michael Myers, Chief Executive Officer of Quoin, commented, “The School of Pharmacy at UCC has a very strong track record in the design of dermal drug delivery technologies, with a particular focus on dissolvable microneedles. We are very pleased and excited to announce the signing of this research agreement, and we believe this partnership with UCC could ultimately lead to the development of proprietary topical rapamycin formulations, which Quoin would have the option to assess clinically as potential treatments for a number of rare and orphan diseases.”
Rapamycin is an immunosuppressive therapeutic drug that inhibits the mammalian target (mTOR) cellular signaling pathway. It has been assessed as a potential topical treatment for a number of rare and orphan diseases. However, the drug’s molecular size, extremely poor solubility and other physico-chemical properties present significant challenges which may potentially limit its effectiveness when delivered topically. UCC’s dissolvable proprietary microneedles delivery technology are sharp, needle-like structures designed to effectively penetrate the skin. The microneedles are constructed from a diverse range of biodegradable materials that dissolve rapidly upon skin penetration, while fully releasing the active pharmaceutical agent. This technology potentially optimizes intradermal drug delivery whilst offering a number of advantages that include painless administration, minimal skin trauma, reduced risk of infection as well as simplified and safe disposal after use. In addition, the microneedle delivery technology may be used to effectively deliver both large and small drug molecules.
About Quoin Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Quoin Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is a clinical stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing therapeutic products that treat rare and orphan diseases. We are committed to addressing unmet medical needs for patients, their families, communities and care teams. Quoin’s innovative pipeline comprises four products in development that collectively have the potential to target a broad number of rare and orphan indications, including Netherton Syndrome, Peeling Skin Syndrome, Palmoplantar Keratoderma, Scleroderma, Epidermolysis Bullosa and others. For more information, visit: www.quoinpharma.com or LinkedIn for updates.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements
The Company cautions that statements in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words referencing future events or circumstances such as “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” and “will,” among others. All statements that reflect the Company’s expectations, assumptions, projections, beliefs, or opinions about the future, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements relating to the Company’s expected cash runway, the belief that the data set from both clinical studies could potentially be sufficiently robust and comprehensive to support an NDA filing, without the need for any additional clinical studies in Netherton subjects, and the belief that certain protocol changes has enhanced the potential for a successful outcome and Quoin’s products in development collectively have the potential to target a broad number of rare and orphan indications, including Netherton Syndrome, Peeling Skin Syndrome, Palmoplantar Keratoderma, Scleroderma, Epidermolysis Bullosa and others. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon the Company’s current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the Company may need to raise additional funds sooner than planned, the clinical studies may not generate data which is sufficiently robust and comprehensive to support an NDA filing and the Company’s ability to obtain regulatory approvals. More detailed information about the risks and uncertainties affecting the Company is summarized in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in other filings the Company has made and may make with the SEC in the future. . One should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as may be required by law.
For further information, contact:
Quoin Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Dr. Michael Myers, Ph.D., CEO
mmyers@quoinpharma.com
Investor Relations
PCG Advisory
Jeff Ramson
jramson@pcgadvisory.com
(646) 863-6341
FAQ
What is the focus of the Quoin Pharmaceuticals and University College Cork research agreement?
What technology will be used in the Quoin Pharmaceuticals and UCC agreement?
What are the financial terms of the Quoin Pharmaceuticals and UCC research agreement?
What potential benefits does UCC's microneedle technology offer?
What is the stock symbol for Quoin Pharmaceuticals?
