Scynexis develops triterpenoid antifungal agents (fungerps) that inhibit fungal β‑1,3‑glucan synthase via a novel binding site. Its portfolio includes the oral drug ibrexafungerp, approved for vulvovaginal candidiasis, and SCY‑247, an oral/IV candidate for invasive candidiasis, aspergillosis and other resistant infections. The agents provide broad‑spectrum activity against multidrug‑resistant Candida and Aspergillus species with no cross‑resistance to existing therapies.
Funding
$45M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Antifungal-resistant pathogens are causing an increase in serious, often fatal, invasive and community fungal infections, while existing antifungal therapies offer limited efficacy and safety, leaving patients with few treatment options.
Solution
Scynexis is developing a new class of triterpenoid antifungal agents, termed “fungerps,” that target the fungal cell wall synthesis pathway with a novel mechanism of action. The portfolio includes ibrexafungerp (BREXAFEMME®), an oral agent approved for vulvovaginal candidiasis, and SCY-247, a second‑generation triterpenoid available in both oral and intravenous formulations for invasive candidiasis, aspergillosis, and other life‑threatening infections. Preclinical and early‑phase clinical data demonstrate potent activity against multidrug‑resistant species such as Candida auris, Candida glabrata, and Aspergillus spp., with no cross‑resistance to existing echinocandins or azoles. By advancing IND‑enabling studies and partnering with global pharmaceutical firms, Scynexis aims to bring these agents to market as new therapeutic options for patients with resistant fungal diseases.
Target Audience
Primary customers are infectious disease physicians, hospital pharmacists, and gynecologists treating invasive or recurrent fungal infections, as well as pharmaceutical partners seeking licensed antifungal assets.
Features
- Novel triterpenoid scaffold (fungerp) that inhibits fungal β‑1,3‑glucan synthase via a distinct binding site
- Oral and IV formulations enabling flexible dosing for both outpatient and hospital settings
- Broad-spectrum activity against Candida (including C. auris, C. glabrata), Aspergillus, and Lomentospora species
- Demonstrated in‑vitro potency and in‑vivo efficacy in murine models, with no cross‑resistance to echinocandins or azoles
- IND‑enabling pharmacokinetic, safety, and toxicology packages supporting Phase 1 and Phase 3 clinical programs
- Licensed partnership with GSK for global commercialization of ibrexafungerp (excluding select territories)
- Scalable manufacturing platform leveraging synthetic triterpenoid chemistry for rapid pipeline expansion