Quoin Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (NASDAQ: QNRX) has announced the initiation of clinical testing for its lead product, QRX003, in a young child diagnosed with Netherton Syndrome (NS). This rare, inherited genetic disorder currently lacks approved treatments or a cure, marking a significant unmet medical need.
The clinical assessment is being spearheaded by Dr. Alan Irvine, a consultant dermatologist at Children’s Health Ireland and professor at Trinity College Dublin. Dr. Irvine, a prominent figure in epithelial genetics, will oversee the evaluation of QRX003's safety and efficacy in this young patient.
Broadening the Scope of QRX003 Clinical Data
According to Dr. Michael Myers, CEO of Quoin, this initiative aims to generate a more comprehensive data set for QRX003 in Netherton Syndrome patients. The ongoing clinical studies primarily involve patients aged 14 years and older. The data from Dr. Irvine's assessment is expected to potentially facilitate lowering the eligibility age for treatment with QRX003. Furthermore, Quoin intends to extend the clinical assessment to include three additional pediatric subjects in Spain.
QRX003: A Potential Treatment for Netherton Syndrome
QRX003 is Quoin’s most advanced product candidate, currently undergoing evaluation in two late-stage clinical trials under an open Investigational New Drug application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The clinical data generated thus far has been promising, with evaluable subjects demonstrating improvement across multiple endpoints and no treatment-related adverse events recorded. In addition to the existing clinical sites in the United States, Quoin is expanding its clinical trial network with a new site in Saudi Arabia and planned openings in the United Kingdom.
About Netherton Syndrome and QRX003
Netherton Syndrome is a rare hereditary skin disorder resulting from a mutation in the SPINK5 gene. This mutation leads to severe skin barrier defects, recurring infections, and a predisposition to allergies, asthma, and eczema. Patients often experience severe dehydration, chronic skin inflammation, and stunted growth.
QRX003 is a topical lotion formulated with a proprietary delivery technology. It contains a broad-spectrum serine protease inhibitor designed to mimic the function of the LEKTI protein, which is deficient in Netherton Syndrome patients. By promoting a more normalized skin-shedding process, QRX003 aims to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce excessive skin shedding.
