Quince Therapeutics, Inc., based in South San Francisco, California, has taken a significant step forward in its mission to develop life-changing therapeutics for those living with rare diseases. On February 22, 2024, the biotechnology firm announced the formation of a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), bringing together a legion of renowned experts across several medical disciplines. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in the company’s journey towards advancing its lead Phase 3 asset, EryDex, for the treatment of Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T), a rare neurodegenerative disease.

The brainchild behind this innovative drug delivery technology is Quince Therapeutics’ proprietary Autologous Intracellular Drug Encapsulation (AIDE) platform. AIDE is designed to optimize the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of therapeutics by harnessing the patient’s own biology, specifically utilizing red blood cells for delivering sustained treatment. This novel approach signifies a leap forward in personalized medicine, especially for rare diseases which often lack effective treatments.

Dirk Thye, M.D., CEO and CMO of Quince, expressed his enthusiasm for the formation of the SAB, recognizing it as a critical building block for the company’s scientific and medical programs. The selected board members, he noted, are well-equipped to provide valuable insights and advice to propel the company’s ambitions forward.

Chairing the SAB is Dr. Mauro Magnani, a biochemistry professor at the University of Urbino, Italy, whose pioneering research on red blood cells as drug delivery systems forms the backbone of Quince’s AIDE technology. Dr. Magnani’s vision for Quince envisages the transformation of drug delivery for patients with rare diseases, enhancing treatment effectiveness and patient outcomes.

The Scientific Advisory Board is composed of seven esteemed founding members, including clinicians and researchers with vast expertise in biochemistry, neurology, immunology, hematology, and pharmacology. Each brings a unique perspective to the table, from developing novel diagnostic tools to designing advanced mathematical models for drug action.

Upcoming projects for Quince include the pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial for EryDex, set to begin enrollment in the second quarter of 2024. EryDex has the potential to address the significant unmet needs of patients suffering from A-T. Moreover, the company eyes the expansion of its development pipeline to explore additional rare disease indications for EryDex and other applications of its AIDE technology.

This assembly of distinguished professionals not only amplifies Quince Therapeutics’ commitment to combating rare diseases but also paves the way for groundbreaking advancements in drug delivery technologies. With its forward-thinking approach and the backing of its newly established SAB, Quince is poised to make significant contributions to the realm of rare disease treatment, bringing hope to patients and their families around the globe.