Zynext Ventures invests in Illexcor Therapeutics to advance oral sickle cell therapy

Zynext Ventures USA (Zynext Ventures), the venture capital division of Zydus Lifesciences (Zydus), has made an investment in Illexcor Therapeutics (Illexcor), a pioneering biopharma firm creating next-generation oral medicines for sickle cell disease (SCD). The investment reflects Zynext Ventures' focus on improving cutting-edge healthcare offerings that solve major unmet medical needs.

Illexcor is dedicated to the creation of a first-in-class oral treatment which acts by directly addressing the root cause of SCD. Their preclinical-stage lead candidate is aimed at binding to Hemoglobin S, inhibiting polymerization and sickling. The new mechanism of action has the promise to provide disease-modifying clinical effects.

Dr. Sharvil Patel, MD of Zydus Lifesciences, said, "This investment reflects our commitment to patients battling rare and orphan diseases. Recognizing the profound impact of sickle cell disease on patients' lives, we are pleased to support Illexcor in their efforts to develop a novel therapeutic solution addressing this critical unmet medical need."

Sickle cell disease is a chronic, inherited illness that currently touches the lives of as many as 10 million individuals globally and severely compromises quality of life and life expectancy. There is a critical need for extremely effective oral treatments to treat this debilitating disease globally.

"This investment is consistent with Zynext Ventures' objective of identifying and fostering transformative early-stage healthcare innovations. Beyond the financial backing, Zynext Ventures will leverage its unique data analytics and strategic expertise to accelerate Illexcor's path to delivering this potentially life-changing therapy globally", Jay Kothari, Director of Zynext Ventures added.

"We are excited to partner with Zynext Ventures to advance our lead drug ILX002 into clinical trials later this year. We are hopeful that ILX002 will be a transformative treatment not only for SCD patients in the U.S. but also for millions around the globe. Zynext Ventures and Zydus Lifesciences are in a strategic position to help us achieve these goals", said Andrew Fleischman, CEO of Illexcor.