SphynKx Therapeutics

SphynKx Therapeutics LLC was a privately held biotechnology company founded in 2011 by Andrew Bolt, with co-founders including CSO Kevin Lynch, Ph.D., Timothy Macdonald, Ph.D. (VP, Drug Discovery), and Webster Santos, Ph.D. (VP, Medicinal Chemistry). The company focused on discovering and developing small molecule therapeutics for fibrosis by targeting the sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) pathway.

The company's core strategy involved developing novel sphingosine kinase (SphK) inhibitors, specifically targeting SphK1 and SphK2, to modulate S1P levels. This approach was based on the understanding that S1P is a key regulator in cellular processes that promote fibrogenesis, or scarring, which can lead to organ failure. SphynKx's therapies were intended to treat diseases with significant fibrotic components, such as chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The company advanced its SphK inhibitors through preclinical trials in animal models of fibrosis.

In its early stages, SphynKx Therapeutics secured $50,000 in a seed funding round on January 18, 2012, from CIT GAP Funds, which was intended to support further research. The company received additional grant funding, including an award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2013. In total, SphynKx raised approximately $50,000 over four funding rounds. However, the company is now listed as out of business, or deadpooled, as of November 2016.

Keywords: fibrosis treatment, sphingosine 1-phosphate, S1P pathway, sphingosine kinase inhibitors, SphK1 inhibitors, SphK2 inhibitors, small molecule therapeutics, drug discovery, biotechnology, fibrotic diseases, preclinical trials, Charlottesville biotech, organ failure therapy, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, pulmonary fibrosis