GSK will license Scynexis antifungal

Abstract

GSK is beefing up its infectious disease portfolio with an antifungal from Scynexis. For $90 million up front and possible milestone-based payments up to $503 million, the pharma giant will get the rights to commercialize and further develop Scynexis’s antifungal Brexafemme (ibrexafungerp). The small-molecule treatment is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and to reduce the incidence of recurrent VVC. It’s the first and only oral antifungal approved for both indications, according to the firms. Notably, the companies say ibrexafungerp has also shown activity against Candida auris , which is currently spreading through US health-care facilities. C. auris has been responsible for severe illness in people who are hospitalized, and it is frequently resistant to multiple commonly used antifungals, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says . Ibrexafungerp is also in Phase 3 trials to treat invasive candidiasis , which is