SCYNEXIS Acquires Promising ADPKD Therapy PXL-770

New oral treatment SCY-770 aims to reduce cyst growth and disease progression in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:40am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An X-ray-like image showing the internal structure of a human kidney with several cysts visible as ghostly, glowing shapes against a dark background, conceptually illustrating the effects of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.A new therapeutic candidate aims to reduce the growth of kidney cysts and slow the progression of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.Jersey City Today

SCYNEXIS, Inc. has acquired PXL-770 (now SCY-770), a novel and highly selective, direct AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator being developed as a disease-modifying therapy for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). The company plans to begin a Phase 2 proof-of-concept study of SCY-770 in ADPKD patients in Q4 2026, with an anticipated early efficacy readout in the second half of 2027.

Why it matters

ADPKD is a progressive genetic kidney disorder with significant unmet medical need, as the only approved therapy, Jynarque, has safety and tolerability concerns that limit patient uptake. SCY-770's differentiated mechanism of action targeting multiple drivers of ADPKD progression could provide a meaningful clinical benefit to a broad population of patients.

The details

SCY-770 has been evaluated in several Phase 1 trials and one Phase 2a trial in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Compelling preclinical data supports its potential utility in ADPKD by reducing cyst growth and disease progression. SCYNEXIS will make an upfront payment of $8 million to acquire SCY-770, with future potential payments of up to $8 million in development milestones and up to $180 million in commercial milestones.

  • SCYNEXIS plans to begin a Phase 2 proof-of-concept study of SCY-770 in ADPKD patients in Q4 2026.
  • An early efficacy readout from the Phase 2 study is anticipated in the second half of 2027.

The players

SCYNEXIS, Inc.

A biotechnology company focused on developing innovative new therapies to address severe rare diseases.

Poxel S.A.

The company that previously owned the rights to PXL-770, now known as SCY-770.

Kenneth Hallows, MD, PhD

A nephrologist and System Division Chief, Nephrology Professor at the Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont Health.

David Angulo, M.D.

The President and Chief Executive Officer of SCYNEXIS.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are excited about this transformative asset acquisition, strengthening our pipeline, and dedicating our development expertise and resources to tackle severe and rare diseases.”

— David Angulo, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of SCYNEXIS

“ADPKD is a progressive disease characterized by the growth of kidney cysts that ultimately leads to end-stage kidney disease. Patients face a substantial lifelong burden, often requiring renal replacement therapy. Despite the significant unmet need, treatment options remain limited with only one approved therapy, which is associated with safety concerns and suboptimal tolerability. It is encouraging to see a new therapeutic candidate advancing in development, particularly one with a promising MOA that has the potential to deliver a meaningful clinical benefit to a broad population of patients in need.”

— Kenneth Hallows, MD, PhD, Nephrologist, System Division Chief, Nephrology Professor, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont Health

What’s next

SCYNEXIS will host a conference call on March 31, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. ET to provide a corporate update on the acquisition and development plans for SCY-770.

The takeaway

This acquisition strengthens SCYNEXIS's pipeline and commitment to developing innovative solutions for severe and rare diseases like ADPKD, which currently has limited treatment options. The potential of SCY-770 to address multiple drivers of ADPKD progression could provide a much-needed new therapy for patients facing a substantial lifelong burden from this genetic kidney disorder.