CIT GAP Funds Invests in SphynKx Therapeutics
The Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) has made a $50,000 investment in Charlottesville, Va.-based SphynKx Therapeutics LLC. SphynKx focuses on the discovery and development of small molecule therapeutics that target the sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) pathway in novel ways, potentially leading to breakthrough treatments for diseases such as fibrosis and cancer.
“SphynKx has proprietary small molecule compounds that modulate the pathways in novel ways. With this investment, our primary goal is to conduct proof-of-concept testing for the treatment of cancer, fibrosis, acute lung injury, and stem cell mobilization,” said SphynKx Therapeutics’ President, CEO, and Co-Founder Andrew Bolt.
SphynKx’s S1P is a bioactive lipid that is an important regulator of many physiologic processes. Since abnormal S1P indicates the presence of disease, targeting the S1P pathway can serve as a platform for the development of advanced therapies. Although the S1P pathway is already a validated drug (Gilenya™ for MS) target, emerging data points to broad, untapped potential for S1P therapies in other areas of considerable medical need. The S1P3 receptor and sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) appear to be particularly important and SphynKx has proprietary drug candidates that specifically address these targets.
Within the SphynKx library, the company has a collection of sphingosine kinase inhibitors that offer a new and unique approach for targeting the S1P pathway. In cancer, SphK1 is functionally validated as a drug target, and importantly, SphynKx’s SphK1 inhibitors are the most potent compounds reported to date. Recently, the biotechnology company has discovered a potent SphK2 inhibitor that may be useful in treating Alzheimer’s disease.
CIT President and CEO Pete Jobse said, “SphynKx’s innovative expertise in chemical biology advances our community towards the essential treatment needed for lung injuries, fibrosis, and cancer. CIT’s investment will allow them to help spur the life sciences industry of the future.”
To learn more about SphynKx Therapeutics LLC, visit their website.
