Spyryx receives award from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to development therapeutic peptides for CF

Jun 26 2015

Spyryx Biosciences, Inc., a privately-held biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics for obstructive lung diseases, announced today it has received an award from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics, which will support development of Spyryx' therapeutic peptides for cystic fibrosis (CF).

"We appreciate the generous support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and are looking forward to working closely with them as we advance our program toward clinical development," stated John Taylor, President and CEO of Spyryx.

In the CF lung, the epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) hyperabsorb sodium and water from the surface of the lung airway, leading to dehydration of the mucus layers and reduced airway clearance. Spyryx is developing inhaled peptides, which are designed to potently degrade ENaC, blocking this absorption and returning airway fluid volumes to normal levels, with the goal of restoring proper mucociliary clearance. This therapeutic approach is independent of the genetic mutations that cause the disease and is anticipated to provide a treatment option to the entire CF patient population. In preclinical models, Spyryx' compounds have demonstrated robust restoration of airway fluid volumes with a duration of action that may allow once-daily dosing in the clinic.