Sitryx Therapeutics has regained the rights to SYX-1042, an oral itaconate mimetic with first-in-class potential for chronic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, from Eli Lilly & Company following Lilly's strategic portfolio reprioritization. The candidate successfully completed Lilly's Phase 1 clinical trial in healthy volunteers, delivering positive first-in-human data that positions the program for potential Phase 2 development.
Clinical Development Progress
The Phase 1 first-in-human study of SYX-1042 was initiated by Lilly in 2024 following a research collaboration between the two companies. The trial, conducted in healthy volunteers, has completed successfully and provided robust clinical data alongside the existing preclinical data package. SYX-1042 functions as a post-translational modification modulator program targeting chronic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
With the return of SYX-1042 to Sitryx, the company has received not only the phase 2-ready data package but also the associated active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). This comprehensive transfer positions Sitryx to make informed decisions about the candidate's future development pathway.
Strategic Considerations
Iain Kilty, Chief Executive Officer of Sitryx, emphasized the value gained from the collaboration: "Through our partner Lilly's investment in the clinical development of SYX-1042, this program has progressed significantly, delivering positive first-in-human data. We will be reviewing this clinical data alongside the robust preclinical data package to determine the optimal path forward."
Kilty expressed gratitude for the partnership, stating: "We thank Lilly for this collaboration and the advances we made together, progressing important research into a first-in-class candidate which we believe holds exciting potential in multiple chronic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases."
Portfolio Integration and Future Plans
SYX-1042 now rejoins Sitryx's portfolio of novel small molecule candidates targeting major autoimmune indications with high unmet need. The company is currently assessing how best to prioritize the candidate for continued in-house development or potential further partnering opportunities.
The itaconate mimetic represents part of Sitryx's broader strategy to develop novel oral therapies designed to restore immune balance in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The company's focus on oral administration offers potential advantages in terms of patient convenience and treatment compliance.
Company Background and Funding
Sitryx Therapeutics, established in 2018 and headquartered in Oxford, UK, has raised $85 million to date from an international syndicate of specialist investors. The funding consortium includes SV Health Investors, Sofinnova Partners, Oxford Science Enterprises, Longwood Fund, Eli Lilly and Company, and GSK, demonstrating strong institutional support for the company's therapeutic approach.
The clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company maintains its focus on developing innovative treatments that address the underlying immune imbalances characteristic of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, with SYX-1042 representing a key asset in this therapeutic strategy.
