SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Quince Therapeutics has appointed Dr. Hassan Abolhassani, a noted immunologist and clinical researcher at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, to its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), the company announced Thursday. He becomes the ninth member of the board, which provides guidance on the development of the company’s lead drug candidate and broader rare disease pipeline.
Abolhassani is recognized internationally for his work on immunodeficiency disorders and Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T), a rare pediatric neurodegenerative disease that is the current focus of Quince’s late-stage candidate, eDSP.
“Quince is excited to welcome leading immunologist and researcher Dr. Abolhassani as a new member of our SAB,” said Dr. Mauro Magnani, chair of the advisory board. “Given his notable work in immunodeficiency disorders, as well as the rare pediatric neurodegenerative disease Ataxia-Telangiectasia, we expect to benefit from his unique insight and expertise as the SAB continues to support Quince as the company advances its potentially breakthrough ability to deliver corticosteroid treatment without toxicities with its lead asset eDSP.”
Abolhassani currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the Karolinska Institutet, where he leads research on pediatric primary immunodeficiencies and inborn errors of immunity. He is also affiliated with several international efforts, including the Global Burden of Disease study and the Middle East and North Africa Registry on Inborn Errors of Immunity. His research has focused on the mechanisms behind immune deficiencies and rare inflammatory diseases, and he is listed among the top 1% of highly cited researchers in immunology globally.
“It is an honor to join Quince’s SAB at this exciting time as the company prepares to report topline results in the first quarter of 2026 evaluating the company’s lead asset, eDSP, for the treatment of patients with A-T,” Abolhassani said. “I look forward to collaborating with the distinguished members of Quince’s management team, Board of Directors, and Scientific Advisory Board to support the advancement of eDSP for the treatment of not only A-T but for additional potential immunological and autoimmune focused rare disease indications.”
Quince’s Scientific Advisory Board is playing a key role in shaping the development of eDSP, a candidate designed to retain the therapeutic benefits of corticosteroids while minimizing their toxic side effects. A pivotal Phase 3 trial for eDSP in patients with A-T is currently underway.
Beyond A-T and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Quince is evaluating the use of eDSP in a range of rare diseases where corticosteroids are standard of care but limited by long-term safety concerns. These include autoimmune hepatitis, dermatomyositis, pediatric lupus, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, myasthenia gravis, and others.
