Curanex Pharmaceuticals Surges 56% After Completing Key Milestone

Curanex's lead drug candidate advances toward planned IND submission for ulcerative colitis

Feb. 26, 2026 at 7:11am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Curanex Pharmaceuticals, a development-stage biotech company, saw its stock surge 56% in after-hours trading on Wednesday after announcing the completion of a GMP-compliant pilot-scale batch of its lead botanical drug candidate, Phyto-N. This batch will support upcoming toxicology and pharmacokinetic studies as Curanex prepares to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, in Q4 2026.

Why it matters

The successful completion of this GMP-compliant batch is a critical milestone for Curanex as it advances its lead drug candidate toward clinical development. Ulcerative colitis affects millions of patients worldwide, and a new treatment option could significantly improve quality of life for those suffering from the condition.

The details

Curanex stated that the GMP batch will support GLP-compliant toxicology and pharmacokinetic studies ahead of the planned IND submission. The company also reported that non-GLP toxicity studies in rats and dogs showed no treatment-related adverse effects. With this progress, Curanex is now preparing to initiate clinical development, including trials in Australia.

  • Curanex plans to submit an IND application for ulcerative colitis in Q4 2026.
  • The company completed the GMP-compliant pilot-scale batch on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Curanex Pharmaceuticals

A development-stage biotechnology company focused on advancing botanical drug candidates, including its lead asset Phyto-N, for the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions.

Jun Liu

CEO of Curanex Pharmaceuticals.

Liqin Xie

Chief Operating Officer of Curanex Pharmaceuticals.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This has been a successful, critical next step as we prepare our first IND submission for FDA review.”

— Jun Liu, CEO (Benzinga)

“We are advancing GLP toxicology and pharmacokinetic studies, with clinical development to follow, including trials in Australia.”

— Liqin Xie, Chief Operating Officer (Benzinga)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.