Infectex enters into license deal with Qurient for Q203

Q203 is being developed for multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis and is the first drug in its class with an original mechanism of action.

Under the deal, Infectex will develop and commercialize Q203 in Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine.

Infectex is a portfolio firm of Maxwell Biotech Venture Fund, created with the participation of RVC capital.

Q203 inhibits the growth of MDR clinical isolates of M.tuberculosis and shows the efficacy in animal models of TB at very low doses.

Infectex intends to carry out additional preclinical studies and is planning to begin clinical trials by early 2015.

Maxwell Biotech Venture Fund managing partner Dmitry Popov said the company is happy that Infectex has added a new anti-tuberculosis drug to its portfolio.

"In spite of the effort of the Russian government, the incidence of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis remains high in Russia," Popov said.

"This situation creates serious social risks and has a negative economic impact. One can envision that the global strategy of tuberculosis treatment will involve the use of new and highly effective drug combinations.

"The drug candidates SQ109 and Q203 developed by Infectex have a great potential to become the basis for such combinations."

Qurient chief executive officer Kiyean Nam said it is a good opportunity for the company to bring Q203 to clinic in Russia and neighboring countries with a competent partner.

"There are huge unmet medical needs for TB, particularly for MDR/XDR TB, in many parts of the world including Russia," Nam said.

"Qurient is ready to work closely with Infectex to provide a life-saving solution to MDR and XDR patients in the territory."