Annual awards program recognizes innovations and achievements in global biopharma
Wellesley, Mass., September 28, 2022 – Qlaris Bio, Inc, a biotechnology company targeting high unmet needs in debilitating ophthalmic diseases, announced today it has been named a finalist in the WuXi AppTec’s Biotech Company of the Year category of the 2022 Scrip Awards.
Qlaris has seen encouraging progress in the clinic thus far in 2022. This past May, the company reported clinical trial results from QC-201, its first-in-human, Phase 2 clinical trial of its lead asset, QLS-101. The findings demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile for QLS-101, as well as a positive efficacy signal, in people with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension.
These data marked a step forward in the development of QLS-101. The company continues to pursue treatments that address various forms of glaucoma, including Sturge-Weber Syndrome, through a first-in-class mechanism of action aimed at lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) by reducing episcleral venous pressure (EVP).
All entries for the Scrip Awards were reviewed and selected by an independent judging panel of senior industry experts from around the world. The WuXi AppTec’s Biotech Company of the Year award honors the achievements of finalists during the past year for fostering significant partnerships, showing strong management and strategic decision-making, addressing unmet medical needs with proprietary science, raising funds, and successfully transforming the company from an early stage to a more mature company.
Qlaris CEO Thurein Htoo and Chief Medical Officer Barbara Wirostko, MD, FARVO, co-founded Qlaris in 2019 on a singular premise: to develop better solutions for people living with serious and potentially blinding eye diseases. Building on the research of Professor Michael Fautsch, Ph.D., of Mayo Clinic, Qlaris is now in clinical trials for various forms of glaucoma with their novel platform focused on lowering EVP.
“It is certainly an honor to be recognized among such a prestigious group of finalists for this award,” said Htoo. “We strongly believe in our mission, and we are proud of the team for doing the hard work to advance the science. As we continue in the clinic, we will keep pushing beyond the status quo for a ‘better best’ that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of patients suffering from potentially blinding diseases.”
Qlaris has been honored by other organizations this year as well. Dr. Wirostko was recently named to the 2022 PharmaVoice 100 alongside other leaders in the life sciences industry. In addition, Qlaris was recently named a BWB Awards finalist in the Diversity and Inclusion Champion category at Biotech Week Boston.
“I am beyond proud of the team for all their amazing work in the clinic and relentless commitment these past few years,” Dr. Wirostko said. “The opportunity to approach an old problem with new solutions and impact the lives of people who have long had no effective treatment options inspires me every day.”
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About Qlaris Bio, Inc.
Qlaris Bio, Inc. was founded in August 2019 with a singular focus: to develop novel, innovative therapies with first-in-class mechanisms of action to address serious and debilitating ophthalmic diseases. The company’s lead platform is based on the use of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel modulators to affect the tone of vascular and vascular-like tissues, initially focused on ophthalmic use. Qlaris Bio’s investors include Canaan and New Leaf Venture Partners, both of which were co-lead investors in the company’s $25 million Series A round in August 2019. Other investors include Correlation Ventures and Mayo Clinic. For more information, please visit qlaris.bio.
About Scrip Awards
Over the last 18 years, the Scrip Awards has brought together industry leaders from all over the world to celebrate and recognize the best innovations in achievements in global biopharma. The 18th Annual Scrip Awards will take place on November 30, 2022, at Royal Lancaster Hotel, London.
View this year’s finalists here: https://pharmaintelligence.informa.com/ScripAwards2022.
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