Merck & Co returns antifungal MK-3118 rights to Scynexis

US venture capital backed drug developer Scynexis says that pharma giant Merck & Co has decided to return all development and commercialization rights for the novel antifungal compound MK-3118, an oral glucan synthase inhibitor being developed for the treatment of systemic fungal diseases, being developed under a 2002 agreement. This decision was made following a review and prioritization of Merck's infectious disease portfolio.

In 2002, Scynexis and Merck announced an exclusive license and research agreement focused on antifungal discovery and development of treatments for invasive fungal infections such as Candida and Aspergillus. MK-3118 is the first compound developed under the agreement to have completed Phase I studies and be ready to enter Phase IIb studies.

"We have enjoyed a successful collaboration with our Merck colleagues and will continue to advance the clinical development of MK-3118, now SCY-078, to help a growing and under-served patient population," said Yves Ribeill, president and chief executive of Scynexis, adding: "The addition of this anti-fungal platform to our portfolio expands our pipeline and positions Scynexis as a leading anti-infective company."