QLGN: IND Filing for QN-165 as COVID-19 Treatment Expected in 2Q21
NASDAQ:QLGN
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Business Update
IND Filing for QN-165 (formerly AS1411) for Treatment of COVID-19 in 2Q21
Qualigen Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:QLGN) is developing QN-165 (formerly AS1411) as a treatment for COVID-19. In October 2020, the company completed a positive pre-IND meeting with the U.S. FDA regarding QN-165’s development pathway. QN-165 is a DNA aptamer that has exhibited antiviral activity in multiple in vitro assays against different viruses. The following manuscripts show that QN-165 is active against a number of different RNA viruses, including dengue virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). We believe that the following studies provide proof-of-concept for QN-165 as an anti-viral agent, nucleolin as an antiviral target, and justify testing QN-165 as a treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Balinsky et al., 2013: The dengue virus capsid protein is a structural component of the infectious virion, and it interacts with and colocalizes with nucleolin. Both knockdown of nucleolin expression with siRNA and treatment with AS1411 caused a significant reduction in viral titers following dengue virus infection. There was no change in viral RNA or protein levels at early time points post-infection, thus nucleolin is likely involved in viral morphogenesis.
• Perrone et al., 2016: Cell-surface nucleolin is a low-affinity co-receptor for HIV on target cells, thus since AS1411 binds to nucleolin it was tested as a potential anti-HIV therapy. AS1411 inhibited HIV attachment and entry into target cells along with antiviral activity without displaying cytotoxicity.
• Mastrangelo et al., 2017: Following administration of AS1411 to RSV-infected mice and rats there was a reduction in lung viral titers, decreased airway inflammation, and decreased IL-4/IFN-g ratios compared to untreated, infected animals.
The company will be performing a small (n=6+) Phase 1b study to confirm the dose level before proceeding directly into a Phase 2a trial with a targeted enrollment of approximately 500 patients. Patients who are admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 but have not yet progressed to respiratory failure will be randomized 1:1 to receive standard of care therapy (e.g., remdesivir, corticosteroids, etc.) along with QN-165 or placebo. The primary endpoint will examine time to release from the hospital, along with multiple secondary endpoints (e.g., viral load, disease progression, etc.). An interim analysis will be performed after 100 patients are treated and if the trials are successful, it may lead the company to seek emergency use authorization (EUA).
Update on QN-247 (formerly ALAN)
QN-247 (formerly ALAN or AS1411-GNP) is an aptamer-based anticancer compound composed of QN-165 attached to gold nanoparticles (GNPs). Previous preclinical studies showed that QN-247 was stable in aqueous and serum-containing solutions, had superior cellular uptake, and increased antiproliferative effects compared to unconjugated QN-165.
In March 2021, Qualigen entered into a Material Evaluation and Option Agreement with the University College London (UCL) to evaluate the use of QN-247 with G-quadruplex binders (GQBs) developed by Professor Stephen Neidle and colleagues at UCL. Previously published research showed a GQB exhibited potent activity in human gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells (Ahmed et al., 2020). The use of a GQB along with QN-247 may potentiate its activity against pancreatic cancer and represents another significant potential indication for QN-247.
The company is planning to target acute myeloid leukemia (AML) as a first indication for QN-247. IND-enabling studies are currently ongoing and we anticipate those studies concluding in the second half of 2021 and an IND being filed in the first half of 2022.
Update on RAS-F
In July 2020, Qualigen announced an agreement with the University of Louisville for intellectual property covering the “RAS-F” family of RAS protein-protein interaction inhibitor small molecule drug candidates. The company is currently evaluating this group of compounds to identify a lead development candidate as a therapeutic against a range of cancers.
There are three human RAS genes (HRAS, KRAS, and NRAS) that encode four similar RAS proteins that function as transducers to connect cell surface receptors with intracellular signaling pathways (Pylayeva-Gupta et al., 2011).
RAS mutations are found at varying rates across many different types of cancers, with KRAS mutations found most frequently (86%) followed by NRAS (11%) and HRAS (3%), with the overall range of any RAS mutation occurring in approximately 9-30% of all tumor samples sequenced (Cox et al., 2014).
In an effort to develop a treatment for RAS-driven cancer, researchers at the University of Louisville screened a library of two million compounds to identify small molecules that would inhibit the protein-protein interaction between RAS and effector proteins. Qualigen is currently continuing to identify a lead drug candidate with IND-enabling studies expected to complete in the second half of 2021 and an IND expected to be filed in the first half of 2022.
Update on FastPack System
The company’s FastPack diagnostic system is a proprietary platform that provides rapid and accurate immunoassay testing results. It consists of the FastPack Analyzer and FastPack test pouches that includes a single-use, disposable foil packet containing the FastPack reagent chemistry. The company currently markets 10 assays, including tests for prostate cancer, thyroid function, metabolic disorders, and research applications. FastPack products are now available in approximately 1,000 physician offices worldwide. Since launching in 2001, cumulative sales of FastPack products has exceeded $100 million.
In January 2021, Qualigen announced the achievement of a milestone event that triggered a payment obligation from Yi Xin Duan Jishu (Suzhou) Ltd. related to the initiation of technology transfer of the FastPack system. In October 2020, the company announced that Yi Xin will develop, manufacture, and sell new generations of diagnostic test systems and has the rights to manufacture and sell FastPack diagnostic products in China.
While Qualigen will continue to sell FastPack products, the main focus of the company will be on the development of therapeutics for cancer and infectious diseases.
Update on STARS™
The same core technologies that were developed for the FastPack system are the basis for the company’s expansion into a therapeutic application for removing disease associated agents from a patient’s blood, the Selective Target Antigen Removal System (STARS). STARS consists of a membrane targeted with a capture reagent inside of a cartridge and is expected to be used with conventional dialysis and hemofiltration machines. Examples of agents that could potentially be removed with STARS include immune checkpoints, metastatic cells, and inflammatory factors. STARS could also potentially be used to treat infectious diseases by removing circulating viruses. In August 2020, the company increased its IP protection for STARS as it was issued U.S. Patent 10,744,257. Qualigen is beginning development of STARS, which includes an analysis of whether to advance it along or through a partnership.
Financial Update
On March 31, 2021, Qualigen filed form 10-KT with financial results for the nine months ending December 31, 2020 following the company changing its fiscal year-end from March 31 to December 31. During the nine months ending Dec. 31, 2020 the company recorded revenues of $2.9 million compared to $5.6 million during fiscal year 2020 ending Mar. 31, 2020. The decrease was related to both the current period only covering nine months and a reduction in sales to Sekisui, the company’s primary distributor, due to a decreased number of patient visits to physician offices because of the COVID-19 pandemic. All revenue was derived from the sale of diagnostic products.
G&A expenses were $7.1 million during the transition period compared to $1.5 million during fiscal year 2020. The increase was primarily due to increased stock-based compensation, professional fees, insurance expenses, payroll, and overhead costs. R&D expenses were $3.3 million during the transition period compared to $1.2 million during fiscal year 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to increased spending on the therapeutics pipeline.
As of December 31, 2020, Qualigen had approximately $24 million in cash and cash equivalents. This was due in part to a $12 million private placement the company closed in December 2020. We estimate that Qualigen has sufficient capital to finance operations into the second quarter of 2022. As of March 15, 2021, the company had approximately 28.8 million shares outstanding and, when factoring in stock options and warrants, a fully diluted share count of approximately 44.3 million.
Conclusion
We look forward to additional updates regarding the upcoming clinical trial of QN-165 in COVID-19 patients, which we believe the company will provide upon filing of the IND in the second quarter of 2021. In addition, we anticipate additional updates for QN-247 and the RAS-F programs later in the year. We have accounted for the financing in December and moved our DCF model ahead one year and our valuation remains at $10 per share.
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