GSK to acquire rights for SCYNEXIS antifungal drug Brexafemme

London, UK – GSK plc announced on March 30, 2023, that it has entered into an exclusive license agreement with SCYNEXIS, Inc. for the commercialization and further development of Brexafemme (ibrexafungerp). Brexafemme is a novel, first-in-class antifungal medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and for the reduction in the incidence of recurrent VVC (RVVC).

The agreement grants GSK the rights to commercialize Brexafemme for VVC and RVVC globally, excluding the greater China region and certain other territories already out-licensed by SCYNEXIS. GSK will also continue the development of ibrexafungerp, which is currently in Phase III clinical trials for the potential treatment of invasive candidiasis (IC), a life-threatening fungal infection.

GSK will make an upfront payment of $90 million to SCYNEXIS. Additionally, SCYNEXIS is eligible to receive up to $503 million in future performance-based milestone payments, as well as sales-based milestone payments and tiered royalties.

Brexafemme complements GSK's infectious disease portfolio. The company views the drug as a significant addition to address the growing challenge of multidrug-resistant fungal infections. The medication works by killing the fungus, unlike some other antifungals that inhibit fungal growth. This new oral treatment addresses an unmet need for new therapeutic options.