Groundbreaking GDF15 biomarker may be the first single examination to accurately predict disease
progression
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - March 11, 2019) - Q BioMed Inc. (OTCQB: QBIO), a commercial stage biotechnology
acceleration development company, is pleased to announce it has exercised its option to exclusively license GDF15, a diagnostic
marker for determining the severity of glaucoma using the expression levels of Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) from the
Washington University in St. Louis. Determining the severity of glaucoma using this biomarker will aid in treatment decisions for
patients diagnosed with, and being treated for, glaucoma.
Currently, no single examination or diagnostic test is able to accurately predict disease progression. Accurate monitoring for
disease progression is critical to preserve visual function in glaucoma patients. Today, physicians only have surrogate measures to
evaluate glaucomatous neurodegeneration. GDF15 represents an attractive biomarker for glaucoma with distinct advantages including
early detection, over conventional clinical tests and has the potential to be a first-in-class diagnostic test. GDF15 was
discovered by Dr. Rajendra Apte, the Paul A. Cibis Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Washington
University School of Medicine.
Q BioMed and its technology partner Mannin Research Inc. are currently developing MAN-01, small molecule therapeutic with a
novel mechanism of action, to treat Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. By offering both a diagnostic and a therapeutic, Q BioMed are
addressing the needs of both patients and physicians, as well as bringing innovation to the global glaucoma market.
Denis Corin, CEO of Q BioMed said, "Dr. Apte's discovery and invention of GDF15 to detect the severity and progression of
glaucoma is groundbreaking. Completing this license is the first step in Q BioMed's long-term commitment to provide a full set of
clinical tools to support the treatment of glaucoma."
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, estimated to affect nearly 100 million people by 2020. Researchers
at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified a biomarker of damage to cells in the eye that could be
used to monitor severity and progression of glaucoma and facilitate treatment decisions and their and the effectiveness. Growth
Differentiation Factor 15 is a member of the Transforming Growth Factor (TGF-beta) superfamily and was recently identified as a
novel and promising biomarker for glaucoma, and its expression correlated with disease severity and progression. GDF15 has been
validated in both mouse and rat models of glaucoma, and confirmed in human patients with glaucoma. Beyond reduction of intraocular
pressure, the desired goal of any glaucoma therapeutic is neuroprotection, or to be more specific, protection and survival of
retinal ganglion cells (RGCs).
Dr. George N. Nikopoulos, President & CEO Mannin Research, a Q BioMed partner company, says, "The use of GDF15 as a diagnostic
tool to measure the severity and progression of glaucoma nicely complements our MAN-01 program for the treatment of glaucoma. Our
team is excited by the potential game-changing impact that Dr. Apte's invention will have on the practice of treating glaucoma.
Working with a world-class institution like Washington University in St. Louis to complete this license has been a wonderful
experience, and we are pleased to be able to address the needs of glaucoma patients worldwide with this collaboration."
About Q BioMed Inc.
Q BioMed aims to accelerate the monetization of biomedical technologies through rapid innovation and collaborative partnerships
with industry leading researchers. Q BioMed believes its assets in oncology, vascular disease, and rare orphan diseases address
unmet medical needs and large markets. The Company's FDA approved, non-opioid drug Metastron, which relieves cancer bone pain, is
expected to begin generating revenues in 2019. Metastron is also approved for sale in 21 other countries. In addition to treating
pain, Metastron has shown evidence of treating the cancer itself and extending survival. Q BioMed plans to conduct Phase IV trials
to support label extension and cancer survival benefit using Metastron.
For more information please visit www.qbiomed.com.
Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements include, but are not limited to, any statements relating to our
growth strategy and product development programs and any other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements
are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could negatively affect our
business, operating results, financial condition and stock price. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from
those currently anticipated are: risks related to our growth strategy; risks relating to the results of research and development
activities; our ability to obtain, perform under and maintain financing and strategic agreements and relationships; uncertainties
relating to preclinical and clinical testing; our dependence on third-party suppliers; our ability to attract, integrate, and
retain key personnel; the early stage of products under development; our need for substantial additional funds; government
regulation; patent and intellectual property matters; competition; as well as other risks described in our SEC filings. We
expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward looking statements
contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such
statement is based, except as required by law.
Contact:
Denis Corin,
CEO
Q BioMed Inc.
+1(646)884-7017
Investor Relations:
+1(404) 995-6671
ir@qbiomed.com
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