Business Strategy
Founded in 1997 to develop and market new and more effective treatment paradigms for global infectious diseases, Sequella is a world leader in the fight for improved public health. The recent outbreaks of pandemic influenzas, growth of drug resistant infectious diseases, increased fear of bio-terrorism, and declining efficacy of existing antibiotics worldwide, all contribute to heightened interest in and a conditioned market for improved infectious disease diagnostics and therapeutics.
Small Molecules with Targeted Mechanisms of Action.
With mechanisms of action distinct from other antibiotics, Sequella small molecule product candidates act on multiple cellular pathways and processes. The company’s versatile drug discovery approach and platform technologies result in a focused pipeline with numerous disease applications including: tuberculosis, candidiasis, certain influenzas, and chronic diseases with an infectious etiology such as ulcers (Helicobacter pylori) and Crohn’s disease (Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis).
Infectious Disease Focus with Broad Therapeutic Application.
Sequella is focused on commercializing improved treatment paradigms for infectious diseases of epidemic potential. SQ109, the company’s lead anti-TB drug candidate, will begin Phase I clinical studies in 2006. SQ109 is a new diamine antibiotic that could replace one or more of the current first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs, simplify therapy, and shorten treatment time. Recognizing the potential broad application of its drug candidates in other disease areas, Sequella is pursuing the clinical development of its pipeline for other indications through strategic alliances and partnerships with selected pharmaceutical and life science companies. The Patch Test for active TB, the Sequella lead diagnostic product, has completed Phase III trials with an expected market launch late 2007/early 2008.
Development Pipeline.
Sequella is continuing development of its earlier-stage pipeline product candidates, specifically SQ609, a representative of a new class of antibiotics that is entering IND-directed preclinical studies. Other key preclinical programs, such as developing a new broad-spectrum antibiotic and specific NCE for Crohn’s Disease and systemic Candida infections, will focus on defining lead molecules and therapeutic indications. Additionally, the company will be moving forward with its Compliance Monitor diagnostic program. Our products are designed to improve the performance, accuracy, efficacy, rapidity and safety of diagnosing and treating infectious disease.
Strategic Partnerships.
Partnerships are an important element of the Sequella commercialization strategy. To date, the company has entered into a number of partnerships with pharmaceutical and life science companies, academic institutions, government agencies, and public health organizations. The goals are to accelerate commercialization of therapeutic programs, defray clinical development costs, broaden geographic market reach, capture market opportunity of emerging, medically significant areas, and take advantage of Sequella infectious disease expertise, versatile discovery approach and technology platforms.
Commercialization Pathway.
The company’s goal is to commercialize its product pipeline, led by SQ109 antitubercular drug and the TB Patch diagnostic. With expected market revenues, the company will accelerate the development of its portfolio of anti-infective compounds. Through focused execution and sound fiscal management, Sequella will pursue value-creating technologies and products, build in-house resources and R&D capabilities as appropriate to commercialize its clinical portfolio, and deliver improved treatment paradigms to patients. Sequella is committed to proactively addressing emerging health threats with significant market potential, commercializing new therapeutic products for infectious diseases with underserved and/or unmet medical needs.