The BAPAIs

A breakthrough innovation

QUANTUM GENOMICS is developing a new class of centrally acting drugs called BrainAminopeptidase A Inhibitors (BAPAIs) for the treatment of high blood pressure and the prevention of related cardio-vascular risks such as heart failure.

These molecules target the brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and more specifically Aminopeptidase A (APA), the enzyme in the brain responsible for the production of Angiotensin III (AngIII) from Angiotensin II (AngII). BAPAIs prevent the production of AngIII at the level of the brain by inhibiting the enzymatic activity of APA.

The work of the INSERM/Collège de France Research Team headed by Dr. Catherine Llorens-Cortès demonstrated the role of brain RAS and brain AngIII in the control and maintenance of blood pressure in various animals experimental models. In the brain, AngIII and not AngII as established in the peripheral area, induces a tonic stimulating effect on the central control of blood pressure. The effect of brain AngIII lies on three mechanisms which contribute, independently of one another, to increase blood pressure.

A triple mechanism of action with a single drug

  1.  AngIII increases the concentration of an antidiuretic hormone in the blood, vasopressin;
  2. AngIII increases the activity of sympathetic neurons associated with vessel vasoconstriction;
  3. AngIII inhibits the baroreflex.