SignalRx Pharmaceuticals, Crystec, and ADYA Consulting SAGL have announced a collaboration to develop an inhaled dry powder formulation of SF2523 for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer and SARS-CoV-2 related illnesses.
SignalRx SF2523 is a novel, small molecule dual PI3K-BRD4 inhibitor with a synergistic action on two pathways associated with the development of lung cancer and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Combined inhibition of both the PI3K and BRD4 pathways maximises cellular effects in tumor and fibrosis models, and enables higher dosing with greatly improved tolerability, the company says.
In addition to it’s applications in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and cancer, SF2523 has also shown promise as an anti-viral for the treatment of COVID-19. Recent in-vitro studies reportedly demonstrated the inhibitor blocks two orthogonal pathways necessary for SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis in human cells, achieving a reduction in replication comparable to Remdesivir.
The collaboration will see Crystec using its mSAS (modified supercritical antisolvent) supercritical fluid particle engineering platform to achieve solid-state control of SF2523 while generating stable particles optimised for dry powder inhaled delivery. Typically, mSAS engineered particles achieve significantly higher levels of deep lung deposition than equivalent particles manufactured using conventional technologies, the company says.
Inhaled SF2523 will undergo accelerated development with support from ADYA, which brings expertise in pharmaceutical pre-clinical and clinical program management. The company will also be tasked with delivering the strategic investment and partnerships required to maximise the potential of SF2523 in its key therapeutic indications.
Matt Williams, CEO of SignalRx, said: “We are excited to combine the unique therapeutic potential of SF2523 with the cutting-edge inhaled delivery capabilities of Crystec. With support from ADYA, we hope to bring to the market a genuinely transformative drug for the treatment of lung cancer, fibrosis, as well as COVID-19 infection and its longer-term complications.”
