SSIs for IBD

“Current treatments for IBD suppress the immune system to treat the symptoms of the disease. At Qu, we’re working to treat the underlying cause of the disease by restoring the body’s normal innate immune response.”

Qu Biologics’ QBECO SSI, a first-in class investigational treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is derived from components of inactivated E. coli bacteria and is designed to restore optimal innate immune function in the gastrointestinal tract. There is growing recognition that innate immune insufficiency and a loss of gastrointestinal barrier function is linked to IBD. Several hundred genetic variants have been identified as being associated with IBD, many of which are associated with reduced innate immune system function; specifically, reduced ability of the innate immune system to optimally clear bacterial infection. Current treatments for IBD, such as Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), aim to manage symptoms by aggressively suppressing the immune system. Given the suboptimal immune function found in many individuals living with IBD, this immunosuppressive strategy is far from ideal. The long-term use of strong immunosuppressants, as is the current standard of care for IBD, comes with serious risks, including infections and certain cancers. In contrast, Qu’s SSI for the treatment IBD, QBECO, works to enable the immune system’s ability to respond productively to invading bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and re-establish normal barrier function. If proven successful, this strategy would be a major development for the treatment of IBD as the current immunosuppressive treatment paradigm has not changed the course of disease for the majority of patients.

Dr. Hal Gunn talks about QBECO SSI investigational treatment for IBD

Clinical Use of SSIs in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Qu Biologics has completed a Phase 2 68-patient randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial for the treatment of Crohn’s disease.  A summary of the results from this Health Canada-approved trial can be found here.

Plans are underway for a follow-on, multi-centre clinical trial in Crohn’s disease, to start in 2018. If you are interested in participating in our next clinical trial of QBECO SSI for the treatment of Crohn’s disease, you may sign up here.

Qu Biologics has also completed a Phase 2a open-label trial for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.  A summary of the results from this Health Canada-approved trial can be found here.

If you are interested in keeping up to date on the status of Qu Biologics’ clinical program for ulcerative colitis, please email ulcerativecolitis@quibd.com indicating your request.

Qu Biologics works with among the top researchers in the field of immunology, inflammatory diseases, cancer and therapeutics. See our Scientific Advisors and Collaborators here.