Healing Reimagined with Quthero Canada
Imagine surgical scarring being a thing of the past. Quthero Canada Ltd. is an early-stage life sciences startup using its patented Q-peptide technology to address two major markets in patient care: post-procedure care and surgical wound care. Developed at the University of Toronto, this revolutionary technology is scientifically proven to improve skin regeneration and reduce inflammation.
From Research to Real-World Impact
Quthero emerged from a desire to bring Q-peptide technology directly to patients. While seemingly unrelated, dermatological recovery, surgical healing, and even heart failure share a common challenge: prolonged inflammation that impedes healing, causes discomfort, and leads to fibrosis and scarring. Quthero’s Q-peptide technology addresses these challenges by promoting faster and more effective regeneration.
“I was excited about starting Quthero because I wanted to bring discoveries related to the immunomodulatory and regenerative peptide, QHREDGS, into the real world,” said Quthero CEO, Dr. Milica Radisic. “I knew that if we only continued conducting basic research in the lab and publishing papers about it, this discovery would never have the chance to help anyone.”
Quthero in Action
Derived from Angiopoietin-1, a human growth factor essential for tissue regeneration, Q-peptide promotes cell survival, reduces inflammation, and enhances the production of regenerative molecules. This bioengineered peptide sequence, known as QHREDGS, is covalently conjugated to chitosan and combined with collagen to form a hydrogel for controlled, localized application. Developed through over 15 years of research by CEO Dr. Milica Radisic, a Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering at the University of Toronto, this innovation is supported by 14 peer-reviewed publications.
“The way our technology interacts with the immune system, is what excites me the most about it,” said Radisic. “Q peptide is unique because it acts on innate immune cells—macrophages. As the term innate suggests, this is a part of the immune system we are born with, and every person has this cell type.”
Quthero’s Q-peptide technology stands out for its ability to stimulate the body’s own cells to restore the balance between inflammation and regeneration. Validated in multiple pre-clinical and clinical studies, including an IRB-approved, double-blinded, multi-site clinical trial on post-laser resurfacing and microneedling recovery, the technology has demonstrated superior healing outcomes.
Expanding Innovation to Heart Health
Quthero’s innovation extends beyond dermatology, with potential solutions for heart failure through its Q-gel, which targets the immune-modulatory mechanisms responsible for disease progression. Studies show that immune cell activation drives chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and ultimately heart failure.
“We were also fortunate enough to have an outstanding surgeon Ramak Khosravi work with us, who demonstrated that this peptide when applied systemically as a drug can salvage the structure and the function heart after a heart attack in a pre-clinical model,” said Radisic. “We are now working to determine the best way to move the peptide forward to benefit the heart disease patients.”
By modulating immune response and targeting cytokine activity, Q-peptide has demonstrated promising results in pre-clinical models addressing heart failure and COVID-19-induced inflammation.
Looking Ahead
With support from the Life Sciences Innovation Fund, Quthero is advancing clinical trials for post-surgical wound healing, having already secured Class IV medical device designation from Health Canada.
“Quthero exemplifies what’s possible when world-class research meets visionary entrepreneurship,” says Claudia Krywiak, President & CEO of OCI. “Their Q-peptide technology is not only redefining the way we think about healing, from skin regeneration to heart failure recovery, but also placing Ontario at the forefront of regenerative medicine. Through Ontario’s Life Sciences Innovation Fund, we’re proud to support their mission to bring groundbreaking, Canadian-made health solutions to patients around the world.”
The company is also preparing for formulation and GLP studies for its heart health applications, positioning Quthero as a transformative leader in regenerative medicine.
Alicia Pereira,
Director, Communications & Strategy
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