SCYNEXIS, a biopharmaceutical company, has partnered with global healthcare company GSK to commercialize Brexafemme (ibrexafungerp), a novel antifungal drug. The medication has unique mechanisms that target Candida albicans and Candida auris, priority fungal pathogens according to the World Health Organization.
GSK Pays SCYNEXIS $593 Million plus Royalties
Under the agreement, GSK will pay SCYNEXIS $90 million upfront for exclusive rights to commercialize Brexafemme in all countries except the greater China region and certain other countries that have already been out-licensed by SCYNEXIS to third parties. In addition to the upfront payment, GSK will pay potential milestone-based payments of up to $503 million and royalties.
The upfront payment will result in a cash runway of more than two years, according to SCYNEXIS CEO David Angulo. He hopes that this partnership will pave the way for future approved indications, leading to additional milestone payments.
Brexafemme Treats Vaginal Yeast Infections and Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
Brexafemme received FDA approval in September 2021 for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections and in December 2022 for vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and the reduction in the incidence of recurrent VVC. The medication is also in Phase III clinical trials for invasive candidiasis (IC), a life-threatening fungal infection affecting internal organs or the bloodstream.
Fungal infections have been on the rise worldwide, leading regulatory agencies and healthcare organizations to take action against hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). Brexafemme could potentially treat HAI’s and complement GSK’s portfolio of first- or best-in-class medications, including late-stage antibiotics gepotidacin and tebipenem.
Brexafemme Demonstrates Commercial Success in 2022
Sales of Brexafemme improved in 2022 after experiencing a slow start during its first year on the market. SCYNEXIS sought a commercialization partner in the United States in October 2022 to maximize Brexafemme’s potential commercial value. This partnership with GSK is expected to further increase its reach and impact.
Brexafemme Addresses an Unmet Need for New Oral Treatments
Vulvovaginal candidiasis affects up to 75% of women at least once, and Brexafemme addresses a clear unmet need for new oral treatments. IC affects around 750,000 people worldwide every year and is one of the most common causes of bloodstream infections in hospitalized patients in the United States, leading to longer hospital stays and higher associated costs.
Through this partnership with GSK, SCYNEXIS aims to expand access to Brexafemme worldwide while continuing to develop ibrexafungerp for the potential treatment of invasive candidiasis. With potential milestone-based payments of up to $503 million plus royalties, this agreement highlights the significant need for innovative antifungal medications and paves the way for future advancements in treating fungal infections.
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