Thryv Therapeutics
LATEST NEWS
Updates from our research programs and clinical development.
Thryv Therapeutics Announces Significant Progress Across all Programs within its SGK1 Inhibitor Portfolio and the Closing of a Convertible Note Financing with Investissement Québec
While we await results from our initial proof of efficacy study this summer in Long QT Syndrome, we are able to accelerate a number of pipeline initiatives thanks to this new investment from IQ.
Long QT Syndrome: Completion of dosing in the WAVE-1 drug induced Long QT Syndrome study enables enrollment of in-patient, safety cohort of Long QT Syndrome patients.
Oncology: New in vivo data with Thryv’s lead oncology compound in combination with standard of care or added to standard of care following development of tumor resistance, demonstrated rapid tumor regression in Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma.
A-Fib: US IND being prepared following encouraging findings from atrial fibrillation and anti-fibrotic model in obese mice with insulin resistance.
$5 million convertible note financing by Investissement Québec, with an option to invest an additional $8 million at close of Series B.
Montreal, Quebec – June 6, 2023 - Thryv Therapeutics Inc. announced today the closing of a USD $5,000,0000 convertible note investment by Investissement Québec (IQ). Under certain conditions, the convertible note can be repaid or converted into equity at the company’s next equity financing round, and includes an option for IQ to invest up to an additional $8,000,000 in the next equity financing round. The proceeds of the convertible note will be used to immediately accelerate Thryv’s portfolio programs.
“While we await results from our initial proof of efficacy study this summer in Long QT Syndrome, we are able to accelerate a number of pipeline initiatives thanks to this new investment from IQ. The financing provides maximum flexibility to move forward on a number of fronts. We remain on track to obtain data from the WAVE-1 initial proof of efficacy in drug-induced Long QT Syndrome study this summer,” said Paul Truex, Chairman and CEO.
The IQ convertible note Investment enables Thryv to commence a safety study in Long QT Syndrome Type 2 and Type 3 patients nine months earlier than planned. The study will enroll up to 12 Long QT Syndrome patients at the same clinical safety pharmacology unit previously used for Thryv’s WAVE-1 study. This effort will allow the pivotal Long QT Syndrome studies to be conducted remotely without patients having to travel to centralized hospitals for assessments – a limitation of previous trials.
Thryv has generated highly encouraging new in vivo animal data with its lead oncology compound demonstrating tumor regression in treatment resistant anaplastic thyroid carcinomas. This new data, coupled with helpful feedback from the US Food and Drug Administration regarding Thryv’s initial clinical plan, will allow the company to submit its Investigational New Drug Application (IND) this summer.
Finally, the company’s atrial fibrillation preclinical program will now be completed six months early to allow for submission of an IND later this year. Thryv plans to initiate additional non-clinical studies in models of atrial fibrillation and heart failure later this year which will enable proof of concept studies to start in late 2024.
About Long QT Syndrome
Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is a rare genetic condition that causes an elongation between the Q and T waves during a heartbeat. The lengthening of the interval can lead to unexpected and life-threatening arrhythmias called torsades de pointes. These arrhythmias are generally in response to exercise and stress. Data suggests that SGK1 is a prime target for shortening the QT interval and for regulating heart rhythm in LQTS Types 1, 2, and 3, which account for approximately 90% of all people with LQTS. Scientists and collaborators at Thryv have demonstrated that treatment of cellular and animal models of LQTS with SGK1 inhibitors can substantially reduce the potential for a prolonged QT interval. Studies have demonstrated a direct correlation between the length of increase in the QT interval and the risk of sudden death in LQTS patients, and shortening this interval would result in a reduction of sudden death and other cardiac arrhythmias.
About Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer (ATC) is a rare, aggressive thyroid cancer that represents less than 2% of thyroid cancer cases and represents a major unmet medical need. However, most patients present at stage IV with a median survival of 5 months, and a one-year overall survival rate of only 20% with current standard of care Mekinist® and Taflinar®.
Several groups have identified SGK1 to be upregulated and promote an AKT independent maintenance of PI3K/mTOR signaling. This continued signaling via SGK1 can be targeted to address resistance to the standard of care in this aggressive form of cancer. Recent preclinical and animal data generated by Thryv Therapeutics has demonstrated that, in addition to synergizing with PI3K, AKT, and mTOR inhibitors, SGK1 inhibition can also synergize with BRAF and MEK inhibitors, in various cancer cell lines with oncogenic mutations in KRAS or BRAF, as well as delay and overcome resistance to these inhibitors in vivo. Additionally, a previous study determined that SGK activity was critical for the proliferation of several ATC cancer cell lines regardless of their oncogenic drivers (BRAF, PIK3CA, RAS, PTEN).
Altogether, these results suggest that SGK1 is involved in the regulation of the crosstalk between the RAS/MAPK and PI3K/mTOR pathways and could represent a novel approach to address current resistance to therapies targeting these pathways, including Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer.
About Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a global problem with worldwide prevalence of over 37 million cases, which is expected to further increase 60% by 2050. Obesity and metabolic diseases represent significant risk factors for the development of atrial fibrillation and are partially responsible for the increasing prevalence of atrial fibrillation. Fibrosis, inflammation, and ion channel alteration have been implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity-related atrial fibrillation and SGK1 is believed to play a contributory role to this disruption in normal cardiac function.
Data from an obese mouse model with insulin resistance has demonstrated upregulation of SGK1 activity in the mouse atria and plays a role in the adverse pathological mechanisms associated with atrial arrhythmogenesis. Inhibition of SGK1, both genetically and now for the first time, pharmacologically with a Thryv SGK1 inhibitor, demonstrated a reduction in fibrotic signaling and a reduction in NLRP3 inflammasome expression, and resulted in reduced atrial fibrillation. With the recent success of SGLT2 inhibitors, which have also demonstrated reduced fibrotic signaling and inflammasome expression, possibly via SGK1-mediated pathways, Thryv is accelerating its efforts to bring a potent SGK1 inhibitor forward for the treatment and prevention of obesity-related paroxysmal atrial fibrillation where additional therapeutic options are needed.
About Thryv Therapeutics Inc.
Thryv Therapeutics Inc. (previously LQT Therapeutics Inc.) is a privately owned company based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Thryv Therapeutics is pioneering a precision medicine approach to treat genetic and drug-induced Long QT Syndromes, atrial fibrillation, and resistant cancers with potent and selective inhibitors of Serum Glucocorticoid inducible Kinase. For more information, please visit www.thryvtrx.com.
Media Inquiries
admin@thryvtrx.com +1 (514) 973 0915
Thryv Therapeutics Inc. Announces Completion of Initial Phase 1 Clinical Study and Beginning of Proof of Efficacy Study in Long QT Syndrome
Data from this study demonstrated escalating doses of LQT-1213 up to seven days were well tolerated with good oral bioavailability, favorable pharmacokinetics profile, and no significant adverse events
LQT-1213 was well tolerated with good bioavailability and predictable pharmacokinetics.
Mild concentration dependent reductions in QTcF were seen with a single dose of LQT-1213.
Proof of efficacy study in acquired Long QT Syndrome initiated: data in Q2.
Montreal, Quebec and Sarasota, Florida – March 14th, 2023
Thryv Therapeutics Inc., a clinical stage biotechnology company developing therapies for rare diseases including Congenital Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) and resistant cancers as well as atrial fibrillation announced today the completion of a healthy volunteer phase 1 clinical study with LQT-1213 - a potent and selective inhibitor of Serum Glucocorticoid inducible Kinase (“SGK”). Data from this study demonstrated escalating doses of LQT-1213 up to seven days were well tolerated with good oral bioavailability, favorable pharmacokinetics profile, and no significant adverse events. In healthy volunteers, LQT-1213 demonstrated encouraging mild concentration-dependent shortening of QTcF (QT interval using a Fredericia’s correction) directionally consistent with recently published reductions in action potential duration (APD90) in normalized cardiomyocytes derived from LQTS patient stem-cells. LQT-1213 was administered as an oral suspension with a low pH sports drink to provide insights for an eventual pediatric formulation – a key step to advance a therapy for children and young adults with LQTS.
The completion of this phase 1 clinical study is a major development milestone for Thryv Therapeutics as its portfolio of SGK inhibitors continues to expand and advance. Upregulation of SGK has been linked to adverse prolongation of the QTc interval. Inhibition of this stress activated kinase has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to shorten APD90 and the QTc interval in preclinical models of both Congenital and Acquired LQTS - both of which can lead to the development of lethal ventricular arrhythmias.
Shortly after the completion of the phase 1 study, dosing commenced in a Proof-of-Efficacy study (the “WAVE-I” study) to evaluate the ability of LQT-1213 to reduce QTc interval in individuals whose QTc is pharmacologically prolonged utilizing Tikosyn (dofetilde) – a known HERG blocking agent used for the treatment of atrial arrhythmias. Data from in vitro cardiomyocytes and animal models demonstrated a concentration-dependent reduction in both APD90 and QTc interval. The WAVE-I study will provide valuable dosing and efficacy data for LQT-1213 with the goal of initiating phase 3 clinical studies in LQTS type 2 and type 3 later this year.
“We are excited by the results from our initial phase 1 clinical study with LQT-1213 including excellent safety, tolerability, and a predictable pharmacokinetic profile with dosing up to seven days. We now will take the next steps to develop LQT-1213 for adults and children with Congenital LQTS - a patient population without an approved therapy,” said Philip Sager, MD, FAHA, FHRS, Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Thryv Therapeutics. “Our proof of efficacy study will be completed later in the second quarter of 2023 which could provide the first clinical validation of SGK inhibition in humans. We’re very excited about the potential of LQT-1213 to shorten the QTc in a meaningful manner such that our pivotal program will be substantially de-risked.”
About Thryv Therapeutics Inc.
Thryv Therapeutics Inc. (previously LQT Therapeutics Inc.) is a privately owned company based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and Sarasota, Florida, USA. Thryv Therapeutics is pioneering a precision medicine approach to treat genetic and drug-induced Long QT Syndromes, atrial fibrillation, and resistant cancers with potent and selective inhibitors of Serum Glucocorticoid inducible Kinase. For more information, please visit www.thryvtrx.com
Media Inquiries
Daphne Doucet, Corporate Communications: daphne@thryvtrx.com +1 (514) 973 0915
Pharmaceutical Commercialization Expert Melissa Koomey, M.B.A., Appointed to Thryv’s Board of Directors
Ms. Koomey brings an impressive depth of experience in product commercialization, launch and marketing execution, which will be crucial as Thryv advances its development programs in rare arrhythmias such as Long QT Syndrome and advanced cancers.
MONTREAL, Canada | November 29, 2022
Thryv Therapeutics Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Melissa Koomey to its Board of Directors. Ms. Koomey brings an impressive depth of experience in product commercialization, launch and marketing execution, which will be crucial as Thryv advances its development programs in rare arrhythmias such as Long QT Syndrome and advanced cancers.
“We are excited to have Melissa join the Thryv Board of Directors at this pivotal time in our story. Our lead compound will emerge from initial safety studies early in 2023 and we will accelerate into efficacy trials with Melissa’s experience and insights in Long QT Syndrome,” said Paul F. Truex, Thryv’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “As our earlier portfolio in oncology advances to final stages of preclinical testing, Melissa’s recent commercial launch experience will contribute to our path to commercialization,” added Mr. Truex.
Melissa Koomey, M.B.A.
Ms. Koomey has been working for over 30 years in product launch and marketing with leading global pharmaceutical companies across North America, including the last ten years in leadership positions at Gilead Sciences, Inc. Prior to her current role at Gilead Sciences (Nasdaq: GILD) as Vice President, Global Commercial Operations, Ms. Koomey was Vice President and General Manager for Gilead Canada where she led the growth of Gilead’s new portfolio of cancer therapies and antiviral therapeutics. Previously, Ms. Koomey has held leadership positions across several therapeutic areas with FibroGen, Pfizer and Novartis. Ms. Koomey holds a Bachelor of Arts from Yale College and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School.
In addition, Marc-Olivier Sirard will step down from the Board of Directors and transition to a continued role as Board observer.
"We have been extremely fortunate to have the support of Marc-Olivier Sirard during the early stages of our company’s history," commented Mr. Truex. "Marc-Olivier’s belief in our vision enabled our success and will continue to be part of the culture of Thryv. We look forward to his continued insights in his new observer role."
About Thryv Therapeutics Inc.
Thryv Therapeutics Inc. (previously LQT Therapeutics Inc.), is a privately owned company based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They have been pioneering a precision medicine approach to treat Long QT Syndrome via SGK1 inhibition since 2019, and have since evolved their portfolio to include the treatment of resistant and rare cancers. The development of SGK1 inhibitors represents a novel approach to target treatment-resistant cancers and complement existing therapies.
Media Inquiries
daphne@thryvtrx.com | 514 973 0915
34th Piper Sandler Annual Healthcare Conference and RBC Capital Markets Healthcare Private Company Virtual Conference
Two fireside chats by Mr. Paul F. Truex CEO on Thryv’s progress with the development of a number of highly potent SGK1 inhibitors for all major forms of Long QT Syndrome, atrial fibrillation and resistant cancers.
MONTREAL, Quebec, Canada | November 17, 2022
Thryv Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on a precision medicine approach to treat Long QT Syndromes via SGK1 inhibition and resistant cancers, will participate in a fireside chat and host investor meetings at the upcoming 34th Piper Sandler Annual Healthcare Conference, and will participate in a fireside chat at the upcoming 2022 RBC Capital Markets Healthcare Private Company Conference.
Mr. Paul F. Truex will provide a full update on Thryv’s progress to date with the development of a number of highly potent SGK1 inhibitors for all major forms of Long QT Syndrome, atrial fibrillation and resistant cancers.
Piper Sandler 34th Annual Healthcare Conference
Location: New York, NY
Fireside Chat: Tuesday, November 29th, 2022 at 11:10 a.m. ET
1x1 Meetings: Tuesday, November 29th, 2022
RBC Capital Markets Healthcare Private Company Virtual Conference
Virtual Fireside Chat: Wednesday, December 14th, 2022
About Thryv Therapeutics Inc.
Thryv Therapeutics Inc. (previously LQT Therapeutics Inc.) is a privately owned pharmaceutical company pioneering a precision medicine approach through the inhibition of Serum and Glucocorticoid induced Kinase (SGK1) to treat Long QT Syndrome, Atrial Fibrillation, and resistant and rare cancers. For more information, visit www.thryvtrx.com
Media Inquiries
daphne@thryvtrx.com | 514 973 0915
Scientific Data for Thryv’s Novel SGK1 inhibitors Presented at American Heart Association and San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium
Results of SGK1 Inhibition in Patient- and Genotype Specific Re-Engineered Heart Cells with Congenital Long QT Syndrome and a model of Drug-Induced QT Prolongation to be presented at the AHA Scientific Sessions 2022 taking place November 5-7, 2022, in Chicago
Thryv’s Serum and Glucocorticoid Regulated Kinase-1 (SGK1) Inhibitors significantly reduced the cardiac action potential duration in re-engineered heart cells derived from patients with the major forms of Congenital Long QT syndrome (LQTS) and in a model of Drug Induced-QT Prolongation.
SGK1 inhibitors in combination with AKT and PI3K inhibitors as a therapeutic treatment for resistant breast cancer.
MONTREAL, Québec, Canada, November 2, 2022 – Thryv Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on a precision medicine approach to treat Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) via SGK1 inhibition and resistant cancers, today announced two presentations on the results of SGK1 Inhibition in Patient- and Genotype Specific Re-Engineered Heart Cells with Congenital Long QT Syndrome and a model of Drug-Induced QT Prolongation at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2022 taking place November 5-7, 2022, in Chicago, IL.
Congenital LQTS is an important cause of syncope and sudden cardiac death due to a mutation in one of several cardiac ion channels for which there is no specific target-directed medical therapy. Drug-induced QTc prolongation is an important cause of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (torsade de pointes) impacting many medications. The studies were performed in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory directed by Dr Michael Ackerman, MD, PhD.
“The data repeatedly demonstrated that inhibiting SGK-1 with Thryv’s inhibitors shortens the prolonged cardiac action potential in all three major forms of the congenital LQTS and in a model of drug-induced QT prolongation,” says Philip Sager, Chief Medical Officer of Thryv Therapeutics.
The presentations details are:
Presentation 1: SGK1 Inhibition and Attenuation of the Action Potential Duration in Re-Engineered Heart Cell Models of Drug-Induced QT Prolongation
Session Date: Monday, November 7, 2022
Session Time: 10:00 - 10:50 AM Central Time
Session Title: Pharmacologic and Therapeutic Approaches to Arrhythmia Management
Session Date: Monday, November 7, 2022
Session Time: 1:30 - 2:20 PM Central Tiime
Session Title: Pharmacological Research in Cardiac Electrophysiology
The Mayo Clinic received compensation and future consideration associated with the work conducted as part of a research agreement.
Preclinical data showing synergy of Novel SGK1 inhibitors in combination with AKT or PI3K inhibitors for treatment of resistant breast cancer, will be presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2022 taking place December 6-10, 2022, in San Antonio, TX.
The presentation details are:
Presentation: Development of novel inhibitors of the serum/glucocorticoid induced kinase (SGK) family to address limitations of AKT/PI3K/mTOR inhibitors in breast cancer
Session Title: Tumor Cell and Molecular Biology: Novel/Emerging Therapeutic Targets
Session Date: Thursday December 8, 2022
Session Time: 7:00 – 8:15 AM Central Time
About Thryv Therapeutics Inc.
Thryv Therapeutics Inc. (previously LQT Therapeutics Inc.) is a privately owned pharmaceutical company pioneering a precision medicine approach through the inhibition of Serum and Glucocorticoid induced Kinase (SGK1) to treat Long QT Syndrome, Atrial Fibrillation, and resistant and rare cancers. For more information, visit www.thryvtrx.com
Inquiries Contact: daphne@thryvtrx.com | 514 973 0915
Dr. Debra Odink appointed to President and Dr. Shi Yin Foo joins our Board of Directors
We are pleased to appoint Dr. Debra Odink to President & CDO, and Dr. Shi Yin Foo to our Board. Both individuals bring impressive depth of development and company building expertise, which will be crucial as Thryv moves into clinical trials later this month.
LAVAL, Québec, Canada | September 1st, 2022
Thryv Therapeutics Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Debra Odink to President and Chief Development Officer of the company and the addition of Dr. Shi Yin Foo to its Board of Directors. Both individuals bring impressive depth of development and company building expertise which will be crucial as Thryv moves into clinical trials later this month.
Over the course of 30 years, Dr. Odink has been involved in pharmaceutical development across the spectrum of early and late-stage programs including both large and small molecules. Dr. Odink started her career at Roche working in process development and quickly transitioned to start-up, venture backed biotechnology companies. At Peninsula Pharmaceuticals, she advanced novel antibiotics from pre-clinical studies to US FDA approval – Peninsula was acquired by Johnson and Johnson. As the Chief of Technical Operations at Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Odink advanced two products into phase 3 clinical studies for both cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disorders. While at Eiger Biopharmaceuticals, Dr. Odink advanced four rare disease programs into clinical development, including one recently approved product by the US FDA. Most recently, at SiteOne Therapeutics, Dr. Odink served as Chief Development Officer and advanced their non-opioid pain therapeutic into clinical development. Debra has been Chief Development Officer of Thryv Therapeutics Inc. since September 2021, leading all aspects of the Company’s Research and Development strategy.
Dr. Shi Yin Foo brings over 20 years of experience as a practicing physician and a catalyst in advancing innovative new programs through the various stages of drug development. She has translational expertise in a breadth of disease areas, including cardiorenal, immunology/inflammation and rare diseases, as well as an interest in novel and adaptive clinical trial designs. Dr. Foo has been in multiple executive roles, including at Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals, Cydan Therapeutics, Imara Therapeutics and Tiburio Therapeutics, where she was also an Observer on the Board. Dr. Foo is the scientific founder and CEO of Arvada Therapeutics, a company working on novel therapeutics in rare arrhythmic diseases.
“The rapid advancement and expansion of our platform of therapies is a testament to Debra’s leadership, technical abilities and ability to inspire breakthrough results. As our first compounds begin to enter clinical trials for long QT syndrome and resistant cancers, we are thankful to have Debra’s oversight and relentless drive leading this effort,” commented Paul F. Truex, Thryv’s Chairman and CEO. “The addition of Dr. Foo will be critical as our portfolio transitions into clinical studies for the treatment of long QT syndromes and other arrhythmias. Her insights will be instrumental in helping us to build a world class organization intended to bring much needed therapies to those in need.”
About Thryv Therapeutics Inc.
Thryv Therapeutics Inc. (previously LQT Therapeutics Inc.), is a privately owned company based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They have been pioneering a precision medicine approach to treat Long QT Syndrome via SGK1 inhibition since 2019 and have since evolved their portfolio to include the treatment of resistant and rare cancers. The development of SGK1 inhibitors represents a novel approach to target treatment-resistant cancers, and complement existing therapies. This strategic evolution has secured an additional US$15M financing fuelling Thryv to complete a proof-of-concept study for LQTS, and submit an IND for the treatment of resistant cancer.
Media Inquiries
Daphne Doucet | admin@thryvtrx.com | +1 (514) 973-0915
Expanding Pipeline Leads to Name Change - LQT Therapeutics Now Thryv Therapeutics
We are excited to announce the evolution of our portfolio to include treatments for resistant and rare cancers. The new name, Thryv Therapeutics, embodies our commitment to relentlessly pursue therapies which provide lifelong benefits to patients, families, doctors, nurses and stakeholders.
New Name Emphasizes Relentless Pursuit of an Expanded and Rare Disease Portfolio
Oncology Programs added to existing Long QT Syndrome Program (“LQTS”)
Additional US$15M Financing Provides Fuel for Proof-of-Concept in LQTS
LAVAL, Québec, Canada | 11 July 2022
Thryv Therapeutics Inc. is excited to announce the evolution of its portfolio to include treatments for resistant and rare cancers. The new name, Thryv Therapeutics Inc., embodies our commitment to relentlessly pursue therapies which provide lifelong benefits to patients, families, doctors, nurses and stakeholders. Recent discoveries implicating Serum Glucocorticoid Kinase 1 (“SGK1”) provided a strong rationale for additional funding, acceleration of a portfolio of compounds to target these new opportunities of high unmet medical need, and a new corporate name - Thryv Therapeutics Inc.
“We are grateful to our investors who recognize the significant potential of our SGK1 platform to treat resistant and rare cancers in addition to the on-going development of our compounds for Long QT Syndrome,” said Debra Odink, PhD, Chief Development Officer. “Recent internal research combined with our collaborators results confirms what various researchers have demonstrated. SGK1 is a novel, yet unexplored target that may provide an opportunity to address treatment resistance in oncology.”
In various genetic and acquired disease states, SGK1 may be mutated and overexpressed leading to the development of serious resistance to existing therapies. The development of SGK1 inhibitors represents a novel approach to target treatment-resistant cancers, and complement existing therapies.
Ongoing external collaborations with leading academic institutions are evaluating Thryv Therapeutics’ internally developed SGK1 inhibitors as potential treatments for patients with treatment-resistant breast, prostate and anaplastic thyroid cancer. This strategic evolution triggered a significant new investment from investors allowing for the completion of a proof-of-concept study in patients with Long QT Syndrome, acceleration of several in vivo proof of concept studies in cancer and Long QT, and submission of an IND for the treatment of resistant cancers.
About Thryv Therapeutics
Thryv Therapeutics Inc. (previously LQT Therapeutics Inc.), is a privately owned company based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They have been pioneering a precision medicine approach to treat Long QT Syndrome via SGK1 inhibition since 2019 and have since evolved their portfolio to include the treatment of resistant and rare cancers. The development of SGK1 inhibitors represents a novel approach to target treatment-resistant cancers, and complement existing therapies. This strategic evolution has secured an additional US$15M financing fuelling Thryv to complete a proof-of-concept study for LQTS, and submit an IND for the treatment of resistant cancer.
Media Inquiries
Daphne Doucet | admin@thryvtrx.com | +1 (514) 973-0915
Douglas Wight Appointed as Vice President - Drug Development
Patient identification and enrollment for our pivotal LQTS clinical trial is a strategic focus of LQTT. Mr Wight’s expertise will play a critical role in guiding our clinical and regulatory strategies.
Patient identification and enrollment for our pivotal LQTS clinical trial is a strategic focus of LQTT. Mr Wight’s expertise will play a critical role in guiding our clinical and regulatory strategies.
We are now Thryv.
LQT Therapeutics Inc. has changed its name to Thryv Therapeutics Inc.
LAVAL, Québec, Canada | January 21, 2022
LQT Therapeutics, Inc. (LQTT) is excited to welcome Doug Wight as Vice President of Drug Development. Doug is a seasoned scientist and drug development professional with over 35 years of experience in scientific research and drug development in academia, as well as the Pharmaceutical and Contract Research industries.
“As LQTT advances our portfolio of SGK1 inhibitors into development, Doug’s expertise will play a critical role in guiding our clinical and regulatory strategies,” said Dr. Debra Odink, Chief Development Officer for LQT Therapeutics. “Foremost is our lead program for Congenital Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) which is expected to enter Phase 1 clinical trials in late 2022. As a rare disease, patient identification and enrollment for our pivotal LQTS clinical trial is a strategic focus of the company. With Doug’s recent experience, we expect to dramatically reduce the enrollment period through a unique approach to patient recruitment.”
SGK1 plays a role in modulation of certain ion channels, thereby regulating ion current and repolarization duration in cardiomyocytes. Inappropriate SGK1 expression can lead to arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.
“I am very excited to join LQT Therapeutics as the company enters clinical development,” said Mr. Wight. “The research on SGK1 as a therapeutic target is impressive and offers multiple opportunities for development from Long QT Syndrome to Treatment Resistant Cancer.”
Mr. Wight began his career in academia, conducting research in pulmonary physiology at McGill University and the Université de Montréal. He then joined the pharmaceutical industry with Sandoz (now Novartis), and later moved to Searle (now Pfizer). He then moved to the CRO industry with MDS Pharma Services (now Celerion). There, he was Senior Director responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of drug development programs, from discovery through clinical proof of concept for Celerion clients, including therapies for type 2 diabetes, spinal cord injury, hepatocellular carcinoma and acute bacterial infection. He transitioned to Milestone Pharmaceuticals in 2011 as VP Drug Development and lead the development of etripamil from discovery to Phase 3 clinical trials.
Doug Wight received his BSc. in Bio-Physical Education from Concordia University and his MSc. in Physiology from McGill University.
About LQT Therapeutics, Inc.
LQT Therapeutics, Inc. is pioneering a precision medicine approach to treat patients with Long QT Syndrome and potentially other arrhythmias based on research from Beth Israel Deacons Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Sanofi, S.A. By combining leading-edge cardiovascular genetics and diagnostics with recent advances in the understanding of the role of SGK1, LQT Therapeutics seeks to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people suffering from Long QT Syndrome and resistant cancers. Launched in 2019 by the Fonds de Solidarité FTQ. LQT Therapeutics, Inc. was founded by world-class experts in cardiovascular disease, cardiac muscle biology and drug development. For more information, please visit www.lqttrx.com
Media Inquiries:
Daphne Doucet | daphne@lqttrx.com | +1 (514) 973-0915
LQTT Collaboration with Leading Cancer Researcher
Dr. Donald McDonnell of Duke University School of Medicine will evaluate LQTT SGK1 inhibitors as potential treatment for people with resistant prostate and breast cancer.
We are now Thryv.
LQT Therapeutics Inc. has changed its name to Thryv Therapeutics Inc.
Dr. McDonnell of Duke University excited to evaluate LQTT’s platform of SGK1 inhibitors in their models of treatment resistant cancers.
Laval, Québec, Canada | January 11, 2022
LQT Therapeutics, Inc. (“LQTT”) is pleased to announce a collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. Donald McDonnell of Duke University School of Medicine to evaluate LQTT SGK1 inhibitors as potential treatment for patients with resistant prostate and breast cancer. Despite the approval of recent treatments for patients with these cancer types, resistance often emerges, and new treatments are needed. Recently, numerous scientists have produced evidence of SGK1’s role in the resistance of various cancers to existing therapies, and Dr. McDonnell’s laboratory has extensive experience in understanding this specific role.
“The research in our group is focused on the development and application of mechanism-based approaches to identify novel therapeutics for use in the treatment and prevention of hormonally responsive cancers,” said Dr. Donald McDonnell. “We are interested in estrogen and androgen receptors (AR) as therapeutic targets in breast and prostate cancers and in defining how these receptors influence the pathogenesis of these diseases. The utility of targeting processes downstream of AR, such as SGK1 inhibition, could provide an alternate approach to therapy. In our laboratories we have demonstrated SGK1 inhibition blocks the effect of androgens in known cancer cell proliferation assays, and we believe SGK1 inhibition is a promising target in treatment resistant cancer. We are excited to evaluate LQTT’s platform of SGK1 inhibitors in our models of treatment resistant cancers.”
Research at LQTT has validated the effects of SGK1 inhibition on cell proliferation pathways in prostate and colorectal cancers. Often difficult to treat cancers may be resistant from the start, or develop resistance during treatment with existing therapies through a variety of mechanisms. The recent approval of novel targeted therapies against cancer also generated additional pathways of resistance, and new opportunities to develop precision treatments to address this resistance. Additional roles for the activation of SGK1 in various cancer pathways continue to be discovered, and LQTT intends to explore these pathways and continues to advance a series of compounds with promise to address the treatment challenges of these resistant cancers.
“We are looking forward to working with Dr. McDonnell and his team to further develop SGK1 inhibitors in different models of resistant cancers,” said Dr. Eric Campeau, Vice President of Translational Research at LQT Therapeutics, Inc. “Dr. McDonnell and his scientific team have demonstrated the role of SGK1 in promoting tumor growth and overcoming resistance to anti-cancer treatments. We are hopeful SGK1 inhibition will prevent cancer progression in animal models of these resistant cancers. Our collaboration will aim to identify the optimal SGK1 inhibition profile required for anti-tumor activity, as well as the patient population that could most benefit from such therapy.”
About LQT Therapeutics, Inc.
LQT Therapeutics, Inc. is pioneering a precision medicine approach to treat patients with Long QT Syndrome and potentially other arrhythmias based on research from Beth Israel Deacons Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Sanofi, S.A. By combining leading-edge cardiovascular genetics and diagnostics with recent advances in the understanding of the role of SGK1, LQT Therapeutics seeks to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people suffering from Long QT Syndrome and resistant cancers. Launched in 2019 by the Fonds de Solidarité FTQ. LQT Therapeutics, Inc. was founded by world-class experts in cardiovascular disease, cardiac muscle biology and drug development. For more information, please visit www.lqttrx.com
Media Inquiries:
Daphne Doucet | daphne@lqttrx.com | +1 (514) 973-0915
Award by the European Joint Program for Rare Diseases for SGK1 inhibition as a novel therapeutic approach in LQTS
The EJP RD is a collaboration of over 130 institutions from 35 countries, working together to create a comprehensive ecosystem between research, care, and medical innovation. This award is significant as we advance SGK1 inhibitors.
We are now Thryv.
LQT Therapeutics Inc. has changed its name to Thryv Therapeutics Inc.
Closing the gap between industry and academia to place patients directly at the center of research efforts.
Laval, Québec, Canada | January 6, 2022
LQT Therapeutics, a privately-held biopharmaceutical company advancing novel SGK1 kinase therapeutics, today announced that the project, “SILENCE-LQTS: SGK1 inhibition as a novel therapeutic approach in Long QT Syndrome” was selected for funding by the European Joint Program on Rare Diseases (EJP RD). The EJP RD is a collaboration of over 130 institutions from 35 countries, working together to create a comprehensive, sustainable ecosystem between research, care, and medical innovation.
Congenital Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is a rare inherited disorder associated with life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in relatively young and otherwise healthy individuals. LQTS has a heterogeneous genetic basis, usually impacting one of 3 key cardiac ion channels caused by mutations in distinct genes. Current symptom-directed therapies aimed at reducing arrhythmia triggering events, including lifestyle changes, beta blockade, and left cardiac sympathetic denervation, only partly prevent arrhythmic events, and syncope and SCD still occurs in a substantial number of LQTS patients.
Within SILENCE-LQTS, the EJP RD consortium will investigate a novel, mechanism-targeted therapy, comprising pharmacological inhibition of the serum and glucocorticoid regulated kinase-1 (SGK1). In contrast to current symptom-directed therapies, this novel approach is designed to correct the pro-arrhythmic alterations in ion channel homeostasis caused by the underlying genetic defect. Efficacy of a SGK1 inhibitor, developed by LQT Therapeutics, will be systematically tested to establish the anti-arrhythmic potential of SGK1 inhibition, paving the way for future clinical application aimed at preventing symptoms and SCD in LQTS.
“Because current symptom-directed therapies aimed at reducing arrhythmia triggering events, including lifestyle changes, beta blockade, and left cardiac sympathetic denervation, only partly prevent (lethal) arrhythmic events, there remains a crucial unmet need for novel, more efficacious, mechanism-driven therapies,” said Arthur Wilde, MD, PhD, Amsterdam University Medical Centers and EJP RD Consortium Member.
LQT Therapeutics has shown that SGK1 inhibition in cardiomyocytes from patients with different LQT genetic mutations leads to shortening of the action potential duration. If this behavior translates in vivo, there is the potential to change the lives of patients with Congenital Long QT Syndrome, many of whom rely on medications that are not fully effective and have unpleasant side effects or implanted cardiac defibrillators.
“This award represents a significant milestone for LQT Therapeutics as we advance our platform of SGK1 inhibitors,” said Debra Odink, PhD, Chief Development Officer of LQT Therapeutics. “We are grateful to the EJP RD for this award and the opportunity of working with the consortium. Advancing therapeutics for people with Long QT Syndrome is a focus of LQT Therapeutics and we aim to restore normal life to those that live in fear of developing a potentially life-threatening arrhythmia.”
About LQT Therapeutics, Inc.
LQT Therapeutics, Inc. is pioneering a precision medicine approach to treat patients with Long QT Syndrome and other arrhythmias based on research from Beth Israel Deacons Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Sanofi, S.A. By combining leading-edge cardiovascular genetics and diagnostics with recent advances in the understanding of the role of SGK1, LQT Therapeutics seeks to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people suffering from Long QT Syndrome and resistant cancers. Launched in 2019 by the Fonds de Solidarité FTQ. LQT Therapeutics, Inc. was founded by world-class experts in cardiovascular disease, cardiac muscle biology and drug development. For more information, please visit www.lqttrx.com
About the EJP RD
The European Joint Program on Rare Diseases (EJP RD) is a program aiming to create an effective rare diseases research ecosystem for progress, innovation and for the benefit of everyone with a rare disease. We support rare diseases stakeholders by funding research, bringing together data resources and tools, providing dedicated training courses, and translating high quality research into effective treatments. Consortium members include Arthur Wilde (Amsterdam University Medical Center), Lia Crotti (Istituto Auxologico Italiano), Katja Odening (University of Bern) and Lior Gepstein (Technion – Israel Institute of Technology), along with the patient advocacy organization, Hart4Onderzoek (Hart4Research) of the Netherlands.
Media Inquiries:
Daphne Doucet | daphne@lqttrx.com | +1 (514) 973-0915
Dr. Eric Campeau appointed as LQTT Vice President – Translational Research
Dr. Campeau will collaborate with Dr. McDonnell and his research team at Duke University to evaluate SGK1 inhibitors as potential treatments for people with breast and prostate cancer.
We are now Thryv.
LQT Therapeutics Inc. has changed its name to Thryv Therapeutics Inc.
Dr. Campeau will collaborate with Dr. Donald McDonnell and his research team at Duke University School of Medicine to evaluate SGK1 inhibitors as potential treatments for patients with breast and prostate cancer.
Laval, Québec, Canada | November 29, 2021
LQT Therapeutics, Inc. is excited to welcome Eric Campeau as Vice President – Translational Research. Eric has spent nearly 30 years in biomedical research, most recently as Vice President of Translational Biology at Zenith Epigenetics, Ltd. He has been involved in the preclinical and clinical development of ZEN-3694 since the beginning of Zenith in 2013. Most notably, the Translational Medicine team, led by Dr. Campeau, made key contributions in the design of a patient pre-selection approach for a randomized metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer study.
Prior to Zenith, Dr. Campeau was a Scientist at Resverlogix Corp., an instructor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and a Scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Dr. Campeau obtained his Ph.D. in Human Genetics at McGill University.
“Eric’s knowledge and experience is a perfect fit for LQTT as we aggressively advance our platform to include oncology,” said Debra Odink, Chief Development Officer and Senior VP of Technical Operations at LQT Therapeutics. “Eric will be collaborating with Dr. Donald McDonnell and his research team at Duke University School of Medicine to evaluate SGK1 inhibitors as potential treatments for patients with breast and prostate cancer.”
SGK1 is increasingly shown to be mutated or overexpressed in different cancers as well as to be involved in the resistance to existing therapies. The development of SGK1 inhibitors represents a novel approach to target treatment-resistant cancers, and complement existing therapies. Our aim will be to identify which patients could benefit from a treatment involving SGK1 inhibitors using precision medicine tools that have become recently available.
About LQT Therapeutics, Inc.
LQT Therapeutics, Inc. is pioneering a precision medicine approach to treat patients with Long QT Syndrome and other arrhythmias based on research from Beth Israel Deacons Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Sanofi, S.A. By combining leading-edge cardiovascular genetics and diagnostics with recent advances in the understanding of the role of SGK1, LQT Therapeutics seeks to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people suffering from Long QT Syndrome and resistant cancers. Launched in 2019 by the Fonds de Solidarité FTQ. LQT Therapeutics, Inc. was founded by world-class experts in cardiovascular disease, cardiac muscle biology and drug development. For more information, please visit our website.
Media inquiries:
Daphne Doucet | daphne@lqttrx.com | 514-973-0915
LQT Therapeutics Announces the Appointment of Dr. Robert Booth to its Board of Directors
A major objective after our Series A financing, has been to enrich our Board with experienced, respected and highly accomplished drug development executives as we advance our clinical programs.
We are now Thryv.
LQT Therapeutics Inc. has changed its name to Thryv Therapeutics Inc.
Company Strategically Strengthens its Fight Against Long QT Syndrome with Novel Kinase Drug Development Expertise
Laval, Québec, Canada | November 1st, 2021
Today, LQT Therapeutics, Inc. (LQTT) announced the addition of Dr. Robert Booth to its Board of Directors. Dr. Booth brings more than 30 years of biopharmaceutical industry experience to the company, most recently as founder and chief executive officer of Virobay Inc. In addition, he has served as operating partner and senior advisor at TPG Biotech.
“A major objective for us at LQTT after our recent Series A financing, has been to enrich our board of directors with experienced, respected and highly accomplished drug development executives as we continue to advance our clinical programs,” said Paul F. Truex, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LQT Therapeutics.
“Robert has extensive strategic and operational experience in early-stage drug development and specifically with the development of commercially successful kinase inhibitors. Robert is a veteran of the industry, and a superb scientist with wide-ranging expertise in many aspects of drug development and a particular focus in supporting the advancement of novel therapies for important diseases for which the existing treatment options are suboptimal.”
Prior to Virobay, Dr. Booth was the chief scientific officer at Celera Genomics, where he was responsible for all discovery and development activities. He conceived and initiated the BTK inhibitor program that was ultimately licensed to Pharmacyclics, and from which Imbruvica was developed and approved. Imbruvica is a novel kinase inhibitor used for the treatment of many B cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL). Dr. Booth served on the board of directors of Pharmacyclics until its acquisition by AbbVie. Prior to Celera, he was senior vice president for Roche in Palo Alto, California. He was a member of the global research management team and the business development committee, which oversaw licensing opportunities. Dr. Booth received his BSc and PhD in biochemistry from the University of London.
About LQT Therapeutics Inc.
LQT Therapeutics, Inc. is pioneering a precision medicine approach to treat patients with Long QT Syndrome and other arrhythmias based on research developed at Beth Israel Deacons Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Sanofi, S.A. By combining leading-edge cardiovascular genetics and diagnostics with recent advances in the understanding of the role of SGK1, LQT Therapeutics seeks to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people suffering from Long QT Syndrome and resistant cancers. Launched in 2019 by the Fonds de Solidarité FTQ. LQT Therapeutics, Inc. was founded by world-class experts in cardiovascular disease, cardiac muscle biology and drug development. For more information, please visit our website.
Media inquiries:
Daphne Doucet | daphne@lqttrx.com | 514-973-0915
LQT Therapeutics Announces Closing of US$19M Series A Financing
LQTT has completed US$19 million Series A financing led by Amplitude Ventures and included new investments from existing investors. We’re advancing a series of in-licensed compounds discovered and developed by Sanofi S.A. that inhibit SGK1.
We are now Thryv.
LQT Therapeutics Inc. has changed its name to Thryv Therapeutics Inc.
Advancing Lead Compound Through Phase 1 while Advancing Portfolio Assets
Company established with world-class research from leading academia and industry leaders
Lead program targets a novel kinase involved in cellular stress response
Experienced and proven team advancing therapies for Long QT Syndrome and resistant cancers
August 10th 2021 | LQT Therapeutics Inc.
Laval, Quebec, Canada. August 10, 2021 — LQT Therapeutics Inc (LQTT) a pharmaceutical company pioneering the development of precision therapies for genetic heart diseases, today announced the successful completion of a US$19 million Series A financing. LQTT is advancing a series of in- licensed compounds discovered and developed by Sanofi S.A. (Paris, France) which inhibit Serum/Glucocorticoid Regulated Kinase 1 (SGK1). Recent research conducted by the company’s founders confirmed the role of this novel kinase as a key contributor of inappropriate sodium regulation in various arrhythmias including Long QT Syndrome. Further investigation also validated the effects of SGK1 inhibition on cell proliferation pathways in prostate and colorectal cancers. Additional roles for upregulated activated SGK1 on various metabolic pathways continue to be discovered which LQTT intends to explore opportunistically.
Over the past 12 months LQTT has successfully reproduced the positive effects of SGK1 inhibition in stem-cells of patients with Long QT Syndrome and various in vitro models of cell proliferation for prostate cancer and anticipates presenting this new data at an upcoming scientific conference. Based on this data LQTT has designated a series of promising SGK1 inhibitors for IND-enabling studies and eventual human use. Proceeds from this financing will advance and expand the company’s portfolio of SGK1 inhibitors through phase 1 human clinical studies.
“The enthusiasm from our investors is a reflection of breakthrough science, hard work and dedication of our scientists, founders and collaborators all sharing a vision to transform the lives of patients suffering from Long QT Syndrome and other devastating diseases,” said Paul F. Truex, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LQT Therapeutics. “The investment of resources and expertise by our new shareholders and Sanofi’s willingness to provide exclusive access to their intellectual property will be instrumental for us to advance our therapeutic programs. We are thankful for the efforts of our founders Dr. Anthony Rosenzweig, Dr. David Milan and Dr. Saumya Das, whose initial research uncovered this truly novel approach to treat rare arrhythmias and Dr. Marc Vidal who worked tirelessly over the past 18 months to advance our research while serving as a member of our Board of Directors.”
The Series A financing was led by Amplitude Ventures and included new investments from Lumira Ventures, Amzak Health, Alexandria Venture Investments, founding investor Fonds de solidarité FTQ, founding scientists and members of the management team. As part of the financing Jean-François Pariseau from Amplitude, Daniel Hétu, MD from Lumira Ventures, and Scott Weiner from Amzak Health will join the Board of Directors. Additionally, Dr. Debra Odink will join the company as Chief Development Officer and Senior Vice President of Technical Operations. Having started her career at Roche, Dr. Odink spent the last 25 years in various leadership roles across multiple disease areas culminating in the successful commercialization of several pharmaceutical products and corporate outcomes. Dr. Philip Sager will join the company as Chief Medical Officer to provide regulatory and clinical development guidance to the company’s lead program. Finally, Dr. Saumya Das, a founder will continue to provide clinical and scientific expertise to our Long QT Syndrome program.
“Looking back at the progress that Paul, the founders and the LQTT team have made since we seeded this team in 2019 is so exciting,” added Geneviève Guertin, Vice President for Investments, Life Sciences at Fonds de solidarité FTQ. “This project is the first of a new initiative in which the Fonds acts as a founding shareholder along with successful entrepreneurs. We are pleased to be joined today by such a great group of investors, with whom we will support LQTT into its next phase.”
“We’re excited to partner once again with this highly-skilled management team to support LQTT’s goals in becoming a leader in precision cardiology”, commented Jean-François Pariseau, co-founder and partner at Amplitude Ventures. “Rare and orphan cardiovascular diseases are a high need area—ideal for a more precision approach for diagnosis and treatment.”
About LQT Therapeutics
LQT Therapeutics Inc. is pioneering a precision medicine approach to treat patients with Long QT Syndrome and potentially other arrhythmias based on research from Beth Israel Deacons Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Sanofi, S.A. By combining leading-edge cardiovascular genetics and diagnostics with recent advances in the understanding of the role of SGK1, LQT Therapeutics seeks to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people suffering from Long QT Syndrome and resistant cancers. Launched in 2019 by the Fonds de solidarité FTQ. LQT Therapeutics was founded by world-class experts in cardiovascular disease, cardiac muscle biology and drug development. For more information, please visit www.lqttrx.com
About Our Investors
Amplitude Ventures
Amplitude is a full-stack venture capital firm using a unique growth model to build Canadian companies with world-class management teams and scale companies to breakout potential. With over $300M under management and offices in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, Amplitude applies a proven, evidence- based approach to investing in leading precision medicine companies. Visit www.amplitudevc.com
The Fonds de solidarité FTQ
The Fonds de solidarité FTQ invests to build a better society by channeling the savings of its 723,501 shareholders into development and risk capital investments to help Québec transition to a green economy, to a human-centered world of work, and to a healthier society. The Fonds offers businesses unsecured financing and strategic support. With $17.2 billion in net assets as at May 31, 2021, the Fonds has supported 3,437 partner companies and 247,612 jobs. Visit www.fondsftq.com
Lumira Ventures
Lumira Ventures is a North American healthcare venture capital firm with a two-decade track record of investing in transformative biomedical companies. It is a multi-stage investor that partners with mission-driven entrepreneurs and like-minded investors to build innovative companies in the biotechnology, medical device and digital health sectors. These companies are harnessing rapidly evolving innovations in genomics, cell therapy, gene therapy, bioengineering, robotics and artificial intelligence to develop high impact, often transformative products for patients while generating exceptional returns for their investors and meaningful economic value to society. To date, Lumira’s companies have brought dozens of biomedical innovations to the market, impacting the lives of over 1 billion patients worldwide and generating over $70 billion of cumulative revenue. Lumira Ventures manages its activities from offices in Toronto, Montréal, Vancouver and Boston. Visit www.lumiraventures.com
Amzak Health
Amzak Health is an evergreen fund that invests in private and select public life science companies across stages and geographies. It seeks to invest in innovative biotech and medtech companies developing first in class or best in class treatments addressing areas of unmet medical need. The Amzak Health team has significant investment and operating experience. Amzak Health approaches each investment with a long-term vision and prides itself on being knowledgeable and dependable partners. Amzak Heath is based in New York. Visit www.amzak.com
Alexandria Venture Investments
Alexandria Venture Investments is the Alexandria Real Estate’s strategic venture capital platform. Since its inception in 1996, it has invested in disruptive life science, agrifoodtech, and technology companies advancing transformative new modalities and platforms to meaningfully improve human health. Visit www.are.com
Amplitude Ventures’ CAD$200M Precision Medicine Fund Oversubscribed
Amplitude Ventures exceeded their CAD$200M raise target and attracted investment from across the country and internationally. Amplitude is an early seed investor of LQTT.
We are now Thryv.
LQT Therapeutics Inc. has changed its name to Thryv Therapeutics Inc.
Amplitude Ventures’ looks to build healthtech companies, along with making traditional investments in existing companies. Their strategy is to invest in early and late-stage companies, sourcing very early-stage companies, ideas, or projects focused on precision health. From there, the firm invests and looks to build out a company that can achieve scale.
In January, Amplitude invested in LQT Therapeutics as part of a yet-unannounced funding round.
Amplitude directs their efforts towards opportunities that allow them to create, build, and grow hyper-growth companies with real potential to deliver accelerated growth and build and deliver sector leading value.
In their latest press release, “Amplitude Precision Medicine Fund Oversubscribed at Final Close”, on June 17 2021, they announced:
“In under 20 months we’ve exceeded our raise target and attracted investment from across the country and internationally,” said Jean-François Pariseau, Partner. “We’re proud to add leading new limited partners like the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) to our syndicate and to draw participation from entities new to the Canadian biotech scene like Alexandria Venture Investments and Cathay Capital.”
Through the fund, Amplitude strategically invests in companies that have the potential to exceed a billion-dollar valuation. Repare Therapeutics, the fund’s first investment, is public with a current value of USD$1.5B. Since funding Repare, Amplitude has added nine other exciting companies to its portfolio including Giiant Pharma and several others that will be announced in the coming months.
As detailed in the subsequent Betakit article, “Amplitude Ventures’ Precision Health Fund Exceeds $200 Million Target Following Final Close” by Isabelle Kirkwood, June 17 2021:
Amplitude invests with a focus on specific verticals within precision health, a field that exists at the intersection of tech and healthcare. With an investment period of five years starting in November 2019, the fund’s thesis is based on supporting three regional clusters in Canada’s precision health ecosystem: next-generation imaging and intelligent medical devices in Toronto, AI and machine learning in Toronto and Montréal, and targeted and cellular therapy in Vancouver…
In January, Amplitude also invested in Montréal-based LQT Therapeutics as part of a yet-unannounced round of funding.
Amplitude Portfolio
At LQT Therapeutics we are very excited and encouraged by the burgeoning investment and interest in Canada’s biotech innovation and growth.
You can view our Pipeline and recent announcements here.
LQT Therapeutics Appoints Additional Directors to Strengthen Fight Against Long QT Syndrome
Marc-Olivier Sirard, CPA, senior investment advisor at Fonds de solidarité FTQ, and Dr. Saumya Das, PhD, MD, Director of the Resynchronization and Advanced Cardiac Therapeutics Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, join our board of directors.
We are now Thryv.
LQT Therapeutics Inc. has changed its name to Thryv Therapeutics Inc.
Dr. Saumya Das, PhD, MD and Marc-Olivier Sirard, CPA Appointed to the Board of Directors
September 29th, 2020 | LQT Therapeutics Inc.
LAVAL, Québec, Canada - Sept. 29, 2020 - LQT Therapeutics Inc. (LQTT), a life-science company dedicated to discovering and evaluating advanced novel pharmacologic treatments for Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), today announced the addition of Marc-Olivier Sirard, CPA, senior investment advisor at Fonds de solidarité FTQ, and Dr. Saumya Das, PhD, MD, Director of the Resynchronization and Advanced Cardiac Therapeutics Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, to its board of directors. Additionally, scientific co-founders of the company Drs. David Milan, PhD, MD, Chief Scientific Officer of the Leducq Foundation, and Anthony Rosenzweig, MD, Chief of Cardiology and Co-Director of the Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, were appointed observers of the board.
“LQT Therapeutics’ mission is to relentlessly pursue advanced treatments for patients suffering from Long QT Syndrome,” said Paul F. Truex, chairman, LQT Therapeutics, “and the addition of Dr. Das and Marc-Olivier strengthen both our pre-clinical research efforts as well as our mid- and long-term investment roadmap. In particular, Dr. Das’ extensive research on heart arrhythmias and his hands-on clinical practice with cardiac patients, including those with Long QT Syndrome, provide invaluable insights as we find solutions for this life-threatening condition.”
“Along with my fellow scientific co-founders of LQT Therapeutics, we are completely aligned with the mission of the company and are committed to providing our expertise to accomplish the goal of finding therapies for patients,” commented Dr. Das. “The consequences of undiagnosed or poorly treated Long QT Syndrome can be debilitating and potentially life-threatening. Constant monitoring for arrhythmias and the lack of safe, effective medications to prevent those arrhythmias adversely affect the quality of life of patients. The promise of new treatment options specifically targeting the underlying disease provides hope of returning LQTS patients to a normal, active and productive life.”
LQT Therapeutics aims to develop a series of preclinical compounds to provide new treatment options for patients with Long QT Syndrome and other cardiac arrhythmias. LQTS is a rare genetic heart rhythm condition that causes rapid, chaotic heartbeats or arrhythmias due to a prolonged QT interval. These arrhythmias, called Torsade des Pointes, may result in a sudden fainting spell or seizure, cardiac arrest, and in some cases, sudden cardiac death. According to the US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, one out of 7,000 people living in the US may have LQTS with an estimated 3,000-4,000 deaths in children and young adults each year. People who have LQTS have few signs or symptoms and may only become aware of their condition due to a serious cardiac event, an electrocardiogram, family history, or genetic testing.
Together, Dr. Das and Mr. Sirard join Mr. Truex, Dr. Philip Sager, MD and Dr. Marc Vidal, PhD on the company’s board of directors.
About LQT Therapeutics
Based in Laval, Québec, Canada, LQT Therapeutics (LQTT) is a biopharmaceutical company discovering and developing therapies for the treatment of all forms of Long QT Syndrome (LQTS). LQTS is a rare orphan disorder affecting an estimated 1 in 7,000 people in the United States. LQTS often goes undiagnosed and is believed to result in 3,000 to 4,000 sudden deaths in children and young adults each year in the United States. More details about LQTS can be found at www.sads.org.
LQTT was founded on discoveries and innovations of its three scientific founders in collaboration with the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Anthony Rosenzweig, MD, Chief of Cardiology and Co-Director of the Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Saumya Das, MD, PhD, Co-Director of Resynchronization and Advanced Cardiac Therapeutics Program, Massachusetts General Hospital; and David Milan, MD, Chief Scientific Officer of the Leducq Foundation all continue to provide scientific and clinical leadership for LQTT’s development initiatives.
With founding investment by Fonds de solidarité FTQ, a development capital fund that calls upon the solidarity and savings of Quebecers to help fulfill its mission to contribute to Québec's economic growth, LQTT is pioneering a precision medicine approach to its discovery and development efforts by exploiting advancements in genetic identification of Long QT Syndrome and its various sub-types, targeting unique biomechanical causes of each sub-type of Long QT Syndrome, efficiently selecting appropriate small-molecule therapeutics to target specific biological pathways to interrupt adverse cardiac signalling, and working with scientific and clinical leaders worldwide to broaden its portfolio to include treatments for all subtypes of LQTS. LQTT’s initial focus is developing small molecule inhibitors targeted at a kinase responsible for electrical remodelling of ion channels which cause Long QT Syndrome. More details about the company are available on our website.
For media contact and other inquiries, please email: admin@lqttrx.com
Stem Cell Collaboration with Mayo Clinic Announced
LQT Therapeutics announces research collaboration with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota to evaluate novel pharmacologic treatments for LQTS, an arrhythmia associated with a prolonged QT interval that can cause sudden death.
We are now Thryv.
LQT Therapeutics Inc. has changed its name to Thryv Therapeutics Inc.
LQT Therapeutics Announces Stem Cell Collaboration to Develop Treatment for Long QT Syndrome
March 25th, 2020 | LQT Therapeutics Inc
MONTREAL, Québec, Canada - LQT Therapeutics Inc. today announced a research collaboration with Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota to evaluate novel pharmacologic treatments for the Long QT Syndrome (“LQTS”) – a deadly arrhythmia associated with a prolonged QT interval that can cause sudden death. The collaboration will utilize Mayo Clinic’s library of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes from LQTS patients to gain insights into the mechanistic pathways for treatments being developed by LQT Therapeutics.
“An innovative drug therapy as an alternative to beta-blocker therapy or surgical cardioverter defibrillator implantation would be an essential addition to the arsenal to treat patients with the Long QT syndrome” said Philip Sager, MD, FACC, FAHA and Chief Medical Officer at LQT Therapeutics. “LQT Therapeutics is exploring an exciting new pathway to treat LQTS by inhibiting an enzyme thought to be involved in regulation of a sodium channel which causes prolongation of the QT interval and an increased arrhythmogenic propensity. Working with the Mayo Clinic to provide further insights into this pathway and the effects of our unique molecules on LQTS will be extremely valuable.”
LQTS is a hereditary condition which causes arrhythmias that often lead to sudden death. Several subtypes of LQTS have been described with subtypes 1, 2, and 3 representing more than 95% of patients with LQTS. According to the US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, one out of 7,000 people living in the US may have LQTS with an estimated 3,000-4,000 deaths in children and young adults each year. People who have the Long QT Syndrome have few signs or symptoms and may only become aware of their condition due to a serious cardiac event, an abnormal electrocardiogram, family history, or genetic testing. In the case of LQT1 and LQT2, cardiac events can be triggered by stress, sudden noise, or exercise. Patients with LQT3 often experience events during sleep. Current therapies for the treatment of LQTS are limited to beta-blockers, that slow the heart rate; implantable defibrillators which restore normal rhythm by providing an electrical shock directly to the heart; substantial lifestyle modifications including diet, exercise limitations, and reduced daily activities designed to reduce potential triggers for LQTS. LQT Therapeutics’ focus is on the preclinical development of a series of novel compounds that will bring a novel treatment to LQT patients.
About LQT Therapeutics Inc
LQT Therapeutics Inc. (“LQTT”) is a biopharmaceutical company discovering and developing therapies for the treatment of all forms of long QT syndrome (LQTS). LQTT was founded on discoveries and innovations of its three scientific founders in collaboration with the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. LQTT is pioneering a precision medicine approach to its discovery and development efforts by: exploiting advancements in genetic identification of long QT syndrome and its various subtypes; targeting unique biomechanical causes of each sub-type of long QT syndrome; efficiently selecting appropriate small-molecule therapeutics to target specific biological pathways to interrupt adverse cardiac signaling; and working with scientific and clinical leaders worldwide to broaden its portfolio to include treatments for all subtypes of LQTS.
LQT Therapeutics Announces up to $1.8M in Seed Funding
LQT Therapeutics raised up to C$1.8M seed funding led by Fonds de solidarité FTQ and other founding investors. Our aim is to develop a series of preclinical compounds as new treatment options for Long QT Syndrome and other arrhythmias.
We are now Thryv.
LQT Therapeutics Inc. has changed its name to Thryv Therapeutics Inc.
LQT Therapeutics Announces up to C$1.8M in Seed Funding Led by Fonds de solidarité FTQ to Accelerate Research of New Therapies for Long QT Syndrome
January 8th, 2020 | LQT Therapeutics Inc.
LAVAL, Québec, Canada - LQT Therapeutics Inc. (“LQTT”), a newly formed life-science company, today announced it has raised up to C$1.8 Million in seed funding led by Fonds de solidarité FTQ and other founding investors. LQTT aims to develop a series of preclinical compounds to provide a new treatment option for patients with Long QT Syndrome (“LQTS”) and other cardia arrhythmias. LQTS is a rare genetic heart rhythm condition causes rapid, chaotic heartbeats or arrhythmias due to a prolonged QT interval. These arrhythmias, called Torsades des Pointes, may result in a sudden fainting spell or seizure, cardiac arrest, and in some cases, sudden cardiac death. According to the US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, one out of 7,000 people living in the US may have LQTS with an estimated 3,000-4,000 deaths in children and young adults each year. People who have Long QT Syndrome have few signs or symptoms and may only become aware of their condition due to a serious cardiac event, an electrocardiogram, family history, or genetic testing.
The scientific founders, Dr. Anthony Rosenzweig MD, Dr. David Milan MD and Dr. Saumya Das MD PhD, are physician scientists with first-hand experience of taking care of patients with long QT syndrome.
“The consequences of undiagnosed or poorly treated Long QT Syndrome can be debilitating and life threatening,” commented the founders. “Patients with Long QT Syndrome must avoid strenuous exercise or competitive sports as well as certain medications that can precipitate lethal cardiac arrhythmias. The continued monitoring for arrhythmias, and the lack of safe medications to prevent these arrhythmias adversely affect a person’s quality of life. Therefore, the promise of a new treatment option which specifically targets the underlying disease, provides hope of returning these people to a normal and active life.”
Current therapies for the treatment of LQTS are limited to interventions that slow the heart rate such as beta-blockers; implantable defibrillators which restore normal rhythm by providing an electrical shock directly to the heart; substantial lifestyle modifications including diet, exercise limitations; and reduced daily activities designed to reduce potential triggers for LQTS. The funding provided by the Fonds will allow us to continue to advance pre-clinical development of a series of novel compounds in an effort to bring a treatment to people in need.
“Our research has uncovered a unique and novel therapeutic approach to modulate electrical properties of certain sodium channels which are potentially important in the treatment of Long QT Syndrome. We’re eager to see these discoveries move forward in a way that can help our patients,” noted Anthony Rosenzweig, MD, Chief of Cardiology and Co-Director of the Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Massachusetts General Hospital.
“The Fonds has been present in the field of biotechnology for more than 30 years and our investment in LQTT is the first of a new initiative under which the Fonds will support the ecosystem in Québec and elsewhere in Canada by acting as a founding shareholder along with successful entrepreneurs to create and scale lasting biotech companies,” Didier Leconte, Vice President for Investments, Life Sciences and Funds-of-funds at Fonds de solidarité FTQ. “This is another demonstration of Fonds’s commitment towards the biotechnology industry.”
With the help of financing from Fonds de solidarité FTQ, the newly formed team at LQTT will explore a class of molecules and licensed intellectual property targeting a unique pathway for the treatment of LQTS and other cardiovascular arrythmias. LQT Therapeutics core technology is the result of research conducted by Anthony Rosenzweig, MD, David Milan, MD, PhD and Saumya Das MD, PhD with support from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. Initial start-up team members will include Dr. Philip Sager, one of the Company’s Founders, Paul F. Truex, MBA, and Marc Vidal, PhD. Current and future team members will be located at Québec’s Center for Biotechnology Innovation (“CQIB”) in Laval, Québec. In addition, Saumya Das, MD, PhD and David Milan, MD, PhD will provide scientific oversight and clinical insights as eventual members of the LQTT Board of Directors. They will join Paul F. Truex, Philip Sager, MD, Marc Vidal, PhD, and Serge Langford from Fonds de solidarité FTQ. Details can be found at the company’s website www.lqttrx.com.
About LQT Therapeutics
LQT Therapeutics (“LQTT”) is a biopharmaceutical company discovering and developing therapies for the treatment of all forms of Long QT Syndrome (LQTS). LQTS is a rare orphan disorder effecting an estimated 1 in 7,000 people in the United States. LQTS often goes undiagnosed and is believed to result in 3,000 to 4,000 sudden deaths in children and young adults each year in the United States. More details about LQTS can be found at www.sads.org.
LQTT was founded on discoveries and innovations of its three scientific founders in collaboration with the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Anthony Rosenzweig, MD, Chief of Cardiology and Co- Director of the Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Saumya Das, MD, PhD, Co-Director of Resynchronization and Advanced Cardiac Therapeutics Program, Massachusetts General Hospital; and David Milan, MD, Chief Scientific Officer of the Leducq. All will continue to provide scientific and clinical leadership for the LQTT’s development initiatives.
LQTT is pioneering a precision medicine approach to its discovery and development efforts by: exploiting advancements in genetic identification of Long QT Syndrome and its various sub-types; Targeting unique biomechanical causes of each sub-type of Long QT Syndrome; efficiently selecting appropriate small- molecule therapeutics to target specific biological pathways to interrupt adverse cardiac signalling; and working with scientific and clinical leaders worldwide to broaden our portfolio to include treatments for all subtypes of LQTS. LQTT’s initial focus will be to develop small molecule inhibitors targeted at a kinase responsible for electrical and mechanical remodelling of ion channels which cause Long QT Syndrome. More details about the company are available on our website.
About the Fonds de solidarité FTQ
The Fonds de solidarité FTQ is a development capital investment fund that channels the savings of Quebecers into investments. As at November 30, 2019, the organization had $16.7 billion in net assets, and through its current portfolio of investments supports over 215,000 jobs. The Fonds is a partner in more than 3,100 companies and today has more than 700,000 shareholder-savers.
For Information
LQT Therapeutics
Email: admin@lqttrx.com
Patrick McQuilken
Fonds de solidarité FTQ
Phone: 514 850-4835
Email: pmcquilken@fondsftq.com