Quotient and CytoAgents Partner to Accelerate COVID-19 Drug Candidate Development

Quotient Sciences, a United Kingdom-based provider of drug development and manufacturing solutions, and CytoAgents, a biotechnology company located in Pittsburgh, PA, announced on April 28, 2020 that they will enter into a partnership to accelerate the development of CytoAgents’ lead COVID-19 drug candidate, GP168, into human clinical trials.

Under the terms of the agreement, CytoAgents will use Quotient’s formulation and manufacturing capabilities to develop and supply drug product for Phase I and II testing in 2020 while Quotient develops a solid oral dosage form for larger patient trials and commercialization, a Quotient press release said.

GP1681 is a small molecule inhibitor of cytokine release in activated human immune cells, the press release said. The drug candidate has demonstrated the ability to modulate the natural immune response by tamping down cytokines, which can target the underlying cause of the life-threatening symptoms associated with cytokine storm.

“Our mission is to create a powerful, lasting solution, not just for the current crisis but for any respiratory epidemic, thereby saving lives and reducing the strain on healthcare facilities,” said Teresa Whalen, CEO, CytoAgents, in the press release. “Working with Quotient Sciences is a major milestone for CytoAgents in its accelerated path for a universal treatment for COVID-19-related or any respiratory epidemic.”

 “The COVID-19 pandemic has caught humanity off guard, and we need to act swiftly to bring new medicines to patients around the world. We are delighted to support CytoAgents with the product development of GP1681,” added Mark Egerton, CEO, Quotient Sciences, in the press release.

Source: Quotient