This new compound, QRX-431, which QuatRx licensed from EndoChem, is designed to treat lipid abnormalities involving LDL-cholesterol and Lp(a), both recognized as risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
The compound may potentially be used as a single agent or in combination with currently available lipid-lowering drugs, and also has potential in the treatment of obesity.
When approved, QRX-431 will enter the rapidly expanding market for lipid-regulating therapies, the largest pharmaceutical product category in the world. The global lipid-regulating market is currently $30 billion and is expected to exceed $40 billion in global sales by 2010.
“QRX-431, which works by a mechanism different than that of existing therapies, represents a potential breakthrough therapy for the treatment of lipid disorders and obesity,” said Dr Robert Zerbe, CEO and president of QuatRx.
“For QuatRx, this addition to our portfolio represents an outstanding fit with our growing dyslipidemia portfolio and our team’s experience in developing successful lipid-regulating drugs, including Lipitor, the number-one cholesterol medicine in the world,” he continued.