SCYNEXIS awarded BARDA contract for up to $214 million for SCY-247

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has awarded SCYNEXIS, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCYX) a contract to advance the development of SCY-247. This agreement provides up to approximately $214 million in potential non-dilutive funding if all contract options are exercised. The contract is structured as a cost-share arrangement, with BARDA covering eligible direct and general administrative expenses for the program.

The initial base period of the contract allocates approximately $18.5 million to support the advancement of both oral and intravenous formulations of SCY-247 into a Phase 2 trial. This trial will focus on patients with invasive candidiasis. If all options are exercised, the funding would support the development of SCY-247 from its current stage through New Drug Application (NDA) submission for two specific indications: the treatment of invasive candidiasis and the prevention of invasive fungal infections in high-risk patients. The contract allows for extensions of up to 10 years.

SCY-247 is a second-generation triterpenoid antifungal candidate designed to address serious invasive fungal infections, a public health threat characterized by limited treatment options and increasing resistance to existing therapies. The compound belongs to a novel structural class with a differentiated mechanism of action and has demonstrated in vitro activity against broad ranges of fungal pathogens, including resistant strains. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted SCY-247 Orphan, Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP), and Fast Track designations. Positive Phase 1 data for the oral formulation were reported in September 2025, while a Phase 1 study for the intravenous formulation has completed dosing with analysis ongoing.

David Angulo, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of SCYNEXIS, stated that the partnership allows the company to develop a new therapy for treating and preventing serious invasive fungal infections using its existing infrastructure. He noted that the award strengthens the company's pipeline by allowing it to advance two programs into Phase 2. The company reported that it expects to fund its share of near-term program costs for SCY-247 within its existing operating plan.

SCYNEXIS stated that its previously communicated development plans for SCY-770, its lead candidate for Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease, remain unchanged. The projected cash runway into 2029 also remains unchanged. The project is funded in whole or in part with federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically through ASPR and BARDA, under contract number 75A50126C00007.