Microvascular
Treatment
Approach

Our discovery of molecular signaling that regulate myogenic tone in distinct resistance artery beds has propelled development of mechanism-based treatments for microvascular dysfunction and its effects on tissue perfusion and blood pressure.

Myogenic responsiveness is a regulator of cerebral blood flow autoregulation. Diseases disrupting this critical function can reduce perfusion and threaten the integrity of brain tissue. QP’s pre-clinical studies in heart failure and subarachnoid hemorrhage models identified a molecular mechanism underlying cerebral microvascular dysfunction that can be treated with a drug that is that is now being trialled in patients.

Learn about our LYRIC-HF trial.

Total Peripheral Resistance (TPR) defines the resistance to blood flow created by the circulatory system - a key determinant of blood pressure alongside cardiac output. In the peripheral microcirculation, skeletal muscle resistance arteries govern 30-40% of TPR, representing a compelling target for therapies. QP identified a molecular mechanism driving TPR in skeletal arteries and is now screening targets to advance a novel treatment of arterial hypertension.

Microvascular Research Platform

QP's integrated pipeline is designed to translate discoveries and ideas from the lab, into disease models and onto clinical testing.

Microvascular Targets

Our portfolio provides a basis for screening and validating drug targets relevant to myogenic mechanisms in different artery beds.

In-Silico drug identification and design

Our drug discovery screening platform employs AI and machine-learning strategies to accelerate compound selection for testing using in vitro methods.

Validation in specific vessels

Therapeutic compounds are tested for effects on myogenic tone in isolated arteries and in vitro data feeds back into our in silico platform to inform development of targeted therapeutics.

Studies in disease models

Pre-clinical testing in mouse models determines the best drug candidate for clinical development and provides further insight into the pathophysiology of microvascular dysfunction, sex differences and circadian rhythms.

Clinical trials

Our clinical research studies are designed in collaboration with partners at the Centre for Microvascular Medicine in Toronto to establish proof-of-concept for mechanism-based treatments targeting the cerebral and peripheral circulation.

Toronto Centre for Microvascular Medicine

Our research is carried out in close collaboration with the TCMM, embedded in a world-class innovation hub in the downtown Toronto university-hospital corridor. TCMM researchers have developed specialized skills and techniques required to precisely characterize the structure and function of microscopically small blood vessels.

QP is paving the way for a new generation of cardiovascular therapies targeting the microcirculation.

Myogenic Mechanism: resistance arteries can adjust their diameter to a wide range of pressures, keeping blood flow to the capillaries constant.

Microvascular
Treatment
Approach