SignalRx Pharmaceuticals Inc., Crystec Ltd. and ADYA Consulting SAGL have entered a new 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 maximizes cellular effects in tumor and fibrosis models, and enables higher dosing with greatly improved tolerability. As such, SF2523 offers potential advantages over other drugs in the market and in development.
 
In addition to its benefits in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and cancer, SF2523 shows great promise as an anti-viral for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19). Recent in-vitro studies demonstrated that SF2523 blocks two orthogonal pathways necessary for SARSCoV-2 pathogenesis in human cells, achieving a reduction in SARS-CoV-2 replication comparable to Remdesivir.
 
About the Collaboration
 
The collaboration will involve Crystec utilizing its advanced mSAS (modified supercritical antisolvent) supercritical fluid particle engineering platform to achieve precise solid-state control of SF2523 while simultaneously generating stable particles that are optimized for dry powder inhaled delivery. Typically, mSAS engineered particles achieve significantly higher levels of deep lung deposition than equivalent particles manufactured using conventional technologies.
 
Inhaled SF2523 will undergo accelerated development with support from ADYA, who have expertise in pharmaceutical pre-clinical and clinical program management, as well as a proven ability to deliver the strategic investment and partnerships required to maximize the potential of SF2523 in its key therapeutic indications.
 
Commenting on the opportunity, 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.”