Quintessence Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of novel protein-based therapeutics to fight cancer. The company’s products utilize its proprietary EVade Ribonuclease Technology for the delivery of anti-cancer agents. Ribonucleases are naturally occurring proteins that degrade RNA. When inserted into cancer cells, ribonucleases can cause the cells’ RNA to degrade, eventually causing apoptosis (cell death).
The company’s lead drug candidate is QBI-139. In preclinical studies, the investigational drug has inhibited tumor growth against human colorectal, ovarian, non-small cell lung, pancreatic, and prostate solid tumors. QBI-139 is currently undergoing a Phase I trial at the University of Wisconsin Cancer Center. Quintessence expects to complete the trial by the end of 2010.
In September, Quintessence received a grant from the National Cancer Institute to further the development of its EVade ribonucleases.
Related video: Laura Strong, President and COO of Quintessence Biosciences, discusses the company’s EVade Ribonuclease Technology at this year’s OneMedForum.