Both Cambridges united for Quotient Therapeutics’ somatic genomics deal with Pfizer

Quotient Therapeutics, which is headquartered in both Cambridge, MA and Cambridge, UK – and its lead investor, Flagship Pioneering – have signed an agreement with Pfizer for two exploratory research programmes.

Founded in 2022 by Massachusetts-based life sciences venture capital company Flagship Pioneering and academic co-founders, Quotient has developed the world’s first somatic genomics platform which is primed to unveil a universe of genetic information and develop new therapies.

This first ever Somatic Genomics platform uses four key steps – phenotyping, isolation, genotyping and computation – to study the somatic genome, a library of variant genomes that contain vastly more genetic information than was ever thought possible. The platform reveals novel links between genes and disease across a broad range of therapeutic areas, enabling the discovery of transformative medicines intended to cure, prevent, or reverse disease.

“This strategic collaboration with Flagship provides an opportunity to explore early discovery work with Quotient’s proprietary platform to potentially unlock new targets for cardiovascular and renal disease,” said Bill Sessa, chief scientific officer of the Internal Medicine research unit at Pfizer. “With our deep cardiometabolic heritage, we will continue to push the boundaries of research innovation to help address significant gaps in care that remain for these patients.”

Quotient Therapeutics is the first company to systematically study the genetic variation and evolution of the trillions of cells inside the human body. In combination with Pioneering Medicines, Flagship’s in-house drug discovery and development unit, the team will jointly conduct exploratory research activities for Pfizer from both Cambridges. The agreement covers analysis of somatic mutations that occur in diseased patient tissue, which will be used to advance the discovery and development of potentially transformative therapies for cardiovascular and renal diseases.

Pioneering Medicines is responsible for leading the strategic partnership with Pfizer, including driving the exploration process to rapidly surface potential drug development programmes built on Flagship’s diverse bioplatforms and modalities.

The Quotient agreement is the most recent programme initiated under Flagship’s strategic partnership with Pfizer announced in July 2023.

“Quotient’s Somatic Genomics platform explores the extensive genetic diversity within the 30 trillion cells inside our body,” said Jacob Rubens, co-founder and CEO of Quotient Therapeutics and origination partner at Flagship Pioneering. “This offers an incredibly rich and unchartered territory for drug discovery.

“These two research programmes will deploy our unique platform capabilities to identify novel links between genes and cardiovascular or renal disease, which are leading causes of mortality and morbidity around the world.”

Paul Biondi, Flagship Pioneering general partner and president of Pioneering Medicines, said: “Our strategic alliance with Pfizer was driven by a shared ambition – to develop novel medicines for patients sooner.

“This exploration with Quotient not only represents another exciting milestone for the partnership, but also speaks to the transformative potential of partnership to accelerate therapeutic innovation.”

Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated and fostered more than 100 scientific ventures, resulting in more than $75bn in aggregate value. To date, Flagship has deployed more than $3.8bn in capital toward the founding and growth of its pioneering companies alongside more than $27bn of follow-on investments from other institutions.