Scynexis Receives $7M Grant to Combat Rising Threat of Drug-Resistant Fungal Infections

NEW YORK, NY – November 17, 2025 – Scynexis, Inc. has announced a five-year, $7 million annual grant awarded to a research collaboration between the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI) and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. This funding will fuel research into novel antifungal therapies, particularly the company’s next-generation ‘fungerps,’ as concerns mount over the increasing prevalence of drug-resistant fungal infections worldwide.

The Growing Crisis of Antifungal Resistance

The threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) often centers on bacteria, but fungal infections are increasingly recognized as a critical public health concern. Globally, fungal infections contribute to an estimated 150 million infections and 1.7 million deaths annually, and those numbers are rising. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified several fungi as high-priority threats, including Candida auris, a particularly dangerous and rapidly spreading species known for its resistance to multiple antifungal drugs.

“For years, fungal infections have been underfunded and overlooked in the broader fight against AMR,” said one public health official. “This lack of investment has created a perfect storm, allowing resistance to develop and spread, and leaving us with limited treatment options for increasingly complex infections.” The emergence of multi-drug resistant strains like C. auris has prompted urgent calls for innovation and investment in new antifungal therapies.

Scynexis’ Approach: Pioneering ‘Fungerps’

Scynexis is at the forefront of developing a new class of antifungal drugs known as ‘fungerps’ – triterpenoid antifungals that offer a novel mechanism of action. Unlike many existing antifungals, fungerps target the glucan synthase enzyme, essential for fungal cell wall synthesis. This distinct approach offers the potential to overcome resistance mechanisms developed against other drug classes. The company’s first-generation fungerp, ibrexafungerp (BREXAFEMME), was approved in 2021 for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis, marking the first new class of antifungal compounds in over two decades.

“The development of ibrexafungerp was a significant step forward, but it’s just the beginning,” explains a leading mycologist. “Fungal pathogens are adept at adapting and developing resistance. We need a constant pipeline of new therapies with diverse mechanisms of action to stay ahead of the curve.”

The $7 Million Boost and Future Prospects

The new grant will focus on accelerating the development of Scynexis’ second-generation fungerp, SCY-247. Preclinical data have demonstrated SCY-247’s broad-spectrum activity against a range of fungal pathogens, including multi-drug resistant strains like C. auris and azole-resistant Candida and Aspergillus species. Researchers will use the funding to prepare SCY-247 for Investigational New Drug (IND) application and ultimately, clinical trials.

The research collaboration between Hackensack Meridian CDI and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health brings together expertise in fungal pathogenesis, drug discovery, and clinical development. “This grant is a testament to the importance of collaborative research,” said one researcher involved in the project. “By combining our strengths, we can accelerate the development of new therapies and address this urgent public health need.”

The company initiated a Phase 1 trial for SCY-247 in December 2024, and preliminary data suggest a favorable safety and tolerability profile. Analysts project significant growth potential for Scynexis, particularly if SCY-247 proves successful in clinical trials. As of late 2025, the company maintains a strong cash runway, ensuring sufficient resources for continued research and development. Scynexis’ commitment to innovation and its pipeline of novel antifungal therapies positions it as a key player in the fight against drug-resistant fungal infections, providing hope in the face of a growing global health threat.