Scynexis, R-Pharm in Antifungal Pact

Scynexis, Inc. and R-Pharm have entered into an agreement granting R-Pharm exclusive rights to develop and commercialize SCY-078 in Russia and several other markets. Scynexis retains the rights to market the compound in The Americas, Europe and Asia. SCY-078 is an oral glucan synthase inhibitor being developed for the treatment of systemic fungal diseases such as candidemia and aspergillosis.
 
R-Pharm will develop and register SCY-078 in its territories including Russia, The Commonwealth of Independent States and Turkey. SCYNEXIS will receive an upfront payment and is entitled to receive payments on development and commercialization milestones and royalties. Further details of the agreement are not disclosed.
 
“Glucan synthase inhibitors have been very effective in treating invasive fungal infections in a hospital setting, but are currently only available as an intravenous dosing option,” said Alexey Repik, president and chairman, R-Pharm. “As the first oral glucan synthase inhibitor, SCY-078 could prove very useful in markets where intravenous dosing options have resulted in undertreatment or treatment limitations.”
 
“This partnership with R-Pharm is an important milestone in the advancement of SCY-078 toward Phase II clinical development and beyond,” said Yves Ribeill, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer, Scynexis. “We welcome R-Pharm’s contributions to the development and commercialization of SCY-078, which provides us access to some very important and potentially large markets, including Russia.”