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iQ-008 is a novel analgesic being investigated as a non-addictive therapeutic for neuropathic pain


Princeton, New Jersey, July 1, 2022 - iQure Pharma Inc. (iQure), a US-based global biotech company, confirms that its lead asset, iQ-008, a novel analgesic compound, is progressing to the next stage in the Preclinical Screening Platform for Pain (PSPP) as part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) HEAL Initiative (Helping to End Addiction Long-term).


The PSPP program offers testing that includes an assessment of in vitro and pharmacokinetic and side effect profiles, abuse liability, and efficacy in models relevant to human pain conditions.


“This is very good news and an important step in the development of iQ-008 as a promising therapeutic,” said iQure Chief Executive Officer Pawel Zolnierczyk. “With this ongoing support from NIH, we will be able to further our understanding of iQ-008’s profile, which will contribute to the progression of iQ-008 as an Investigational New Drug (IND).”


iQure researchers developed iQ-008 as a therapeutic for neuropathic pain, in response to the more than 25 million Americans who live with chronic pain and are forced to rely solely on potentially addictive opioid medications for pain management.


About iQure Pharma

A global biotech firm headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, iQure Pharma is focused on the development of new therapeutics for neuropathic pain. iQure researchers, clinicians, and pharmaceutical professionals work closely with academic partners, industry experts, and patient organizations to build medically and socially beneficial therapies. For more information about supporting iQure’s initiatives, contact iQure CFO Dr. Anna Rzewuska at anna.rzewuska@iqurepharma.com.

Updated: Apr 10, 2022

Life Sciences industry experts Michael D. Webb and Brian Cain bring extensive expertise in strategic pharmaceutical growth


DELAWARE, April 07, 2022 ─iQure Pharma Inc. (iQure), a US-based global biotech company, has appointed Michael D. Webb, president and CEO of CXL Ophthalmics, LLC, as its new chairperson and Brian E. Cain, president of InLine LLC and former executive director Commercial Insights & Analytics at Bristol-Myers Squibb/Celgene, as a new board member. They join board members Dr. Peter Schiemann, iQure co-founder and Pawel Zolnierczyk, iQure CEO and co-founder.


“It is a dynamic and exciting time for iQure,” said Pawel Zolnierczyk. “Our focus is on ensuring the board has the right experience, skills and talent and Michael and Brian are the perfect complements to usher in the next phase of iQure’s growth. Michael is exit driven with proven expertise in successfully working with companies similar to iQure. Brian has built his career focused on advancing the goals of large pharma, including Merck, Johnson & Johnson, and Genentech and contributes a profound understanding of the ‘buyer’ perspective.”


With more than 25 years of experience in healthcare and life sciences, Michael Webb has an innate understanding of creating a profitable exit for investors. He specializes in early-stage companies focused on targeted therapeutics and molecular diagnostics. Webb has founded multiple biotechnology companies, from seed round funding through venture financing and NASDAQ IPO filings. Webb began his career in healthcare and life sciences with Booz Allen Hamilton’s Chicago office and was also a senior vice president at CIBA-Geigy (now Novartis).


After earning bachelor’s degrees summa cum laude in biochemistry and economics from the University of Kansas, and an MA in International Relations from Sussex University in the UK, Webb completed his thesis on "Pharmaceuticals Policy and the World Health Organization." He holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, with a focus on healthcare management. He is also a former chair of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council.


Brian Cain brings more than 25 years of strategically and cost-effectively growing key pharmaceutical brands through best-in-class market research, both domestic and global, business intelligence, customer insight mining, data strategy, forecasting, and commercial analytics. He has achieved targeted success for multi-billion-dollar products, excelling in dynamic, demanding environments while remaining pragmatic and focused.


For more information, please visit the iQure Pharma website.


About iQure Pharma

As a global biotech firm headquartered in the US, iQure Pharma is focused on the development of new therapeutics targeting neuropathic pain. iQure researchers, clinicians, and pharmaceutical professionals work closely with academic partners, industry experts, and patient organizations to build medically and socially beneficial therapies. For more information about supporting iQure’s initiatives, contact iQure CFO, Dr. Anna Rzewuska at anna.rzewuska@iqurepharma.com.

DELAWARE, March 15, 2022 ─ iQure Pharma Inc. (iQure), a US-based biotech company, has confirmed through preclinical screenings that iQ-008, a novel analgesic compound, demonstrates efficacy in in vivo studies. Developed as a therapeutic for neuropathic pain, iQ-008 shows significant effectiveness in all pain models.


A rationally designed, multi-targeting compound, iQ-008 presented a better-than-standard profile in preclinical efficacy screenings. “This is very good news and an important step in the development of iQ-008 as a promising therapeutic,” said iQure Chief Executive Officer Pawel Zolnierczyk. “The results of efficacy after oral dosing are a further indication that iQ‑008 will be viable in capsule or tablet form in human studies. We are encouraged by successful in vivo studies with the data confirming that iQ-008 meets the criteria for the Lipinski/Pfizer Rule of Five.”


Lipinski’s Rule of Five, also known as Pfizer’s Rule of Five, is a critical indicator for drug development programs that help identify successful drug candidates. The rules identify candidates likely to have a desired profile on intestinal permeability and aqueous solubility, which is an indication for oral absorption.


Earlier this year, iQure secured global patent protection (including the US, Europe, China and Canada) for iQ-008, following results showing efficacy in outperforming standards of care.


About iQure Pharma

iQure Pharma is a global biotech firm headquartered in the US, focused on the development of new therapeutics for neuropathic pain. iQure researchers, clinicians, and pharmaceutical professionals work closely with academic partners, industry experts, and patient organizations to build medically and socially beneficial therapies. For more information about supporting iQure’s initiatives, contact iQure CFO, Dr Anna Rzewuska at anna.rzewuska@iqurepharma.com.

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