SCYNEXIS Presented Preclinical Data on SCY-247 at ESCMID Congress

SCYNEXIS, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCYX), a biotechnology firm dedicated to innovative medicines for challenging and drug-resistant infections, has shared preclinical efficacy data for its second-generation antifungal candidate, SCY-247, at the ESCMID Global 2024 congress in Barcelona. This event, held from April 27-30, 2024, showcased promising preclinical outcomes for SCY-247's effectiveness against invasive fungal infections.

Dr. David Angulo, President and CEO of SCYNEXIS, expressed enthusiasm about SCY-247’s potential to meet the urgent need for new treatments for invasive fungal infections, which are increasingly resistant to current antifungals. SCY-247 aims to enter clinical trials by the end of the year, bolstered by encouraging preclinical data presented at the congress.

In his oral presentation, Nathan Wiederhold, Pharm.D., from the University of Texas Health Science Center, detailed SCY-247’s efficacy in a murine model of invasive candidiasis caused by Candida glabrata, a high-priority pathogen recognized by the World Health Organization. The study administered SCY-247 orally in doses of 16, 32, and 48 mg/kg, comparing its effects to oral fluconazole and parenteral caspofungin. Results showed a dose-dependent reduction in fungal burden in the kidneys and lungs of the treated mice. Notably, SCY-247 significantly decreased fungal presence in the kidneys and lungs compared to the vehicle control, while caspofungin only impacted the kidneys, and fluconazole showed no significant effect in either organ. These findings highlight SCY-247's potential superior efficacy, particularly its improved lung penetration compared to existing echinocandins.

Wiederhold also presented a poster on SCY-247’s in vitro activity against a variety of pathogenic fungi, including azole-resistant strains of Candida and Aspergillus. The study tested SCY-247 against 155 clinical isolates of yeasts, molds, and dimorphic fungi. SCY-247 demonstrated broad-spectrum antifungal activity, especially potent against Candida species, including resistant strains, as well as Aspergillus species and several dimorphic fungi such as Blastomyces dermatitidis and Histoplasma capsulatum.

In a separate poster presentation, Mahmoud Ghannoum, Ph.D., from Case Western Reserve, explored SCY-247’s effect on the growth kinetics and ultrastructure of Candida auris, another critical fungal pathogen. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy, the study showed that SCY-247 significantly inhibited the growth of both susceptible and multi-drug-resistant strains of C. auris, with substantial effects on fungal cell morphology and growth reduction.

Candida auris and Candida glabrata are major health threats due to their resistance to multiple antifungal drugs, limiting treatment options. Similarly, azole-resistant Aspergillus infections pose significant treatment challenges and increase mortality risks.

SCY-247, part of a novel class of triterpenoid antifungals known as glucan synthase inhibitors, shows promise as a new solution to these challenges. This class represents the first new antifungal development since 2001, offering potential flexibility with both oral and intravenous formulations. SCYNEXIS aims to secure FDA designations such as Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) and Fast Track for SCY-247, facilitating its development to address systemic fungal diseases.

SCYNEXIS continues to lead in antifungal innovation, with ongoing development and clinical investigation of their proprietary antifungal platform. The company remains focused on delivering effective treatments for difficult-to-treat and drug-resistant infections, potentially transforming the landscape of antifungal therapy.