Zydus Arm Sentynl Licenses Progeria Drug Progerinin, Strengthens Rare Disease Pipeline
New Delhi: Zydus Lifesciences' wholly owned subsidiary Sentynl Therapeutics has entered into an agreement with Korea-based PRG S&T to license an investigational molecule, Progerinin (SLC-D011), for the treatment of Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS), a rare and fatal genetic disorder.
Under the agreement, Sentynl will collaborate with PRG S&T to advance the clinical development of Progerinin, which has already received orphan drug designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Upon achieving certain milestones, Sentynl will acquire full rights to the molecule, further strengthening its portfolio of therapies for rare and ultra-rare diseases.
The drug candidate is currently in the final stages of a Phase 2A clinical trial, with data expected by the end of the first half of 2026. With this addition, Progerinin is set to become Sentynl’s second therapy targeting HGPS.
Commenting on the development, Dr Sharvil P Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences, said that expanding the company’s pipeline for progeria treatment reflects its commitment to addressing unmet medical needs in rare diseases. He emphasized that advancing orphan therapies plays a crucial role in improving the lives of affected patients and their families.
Echoing similar sentiments, Matt Heck, CEO of Sentynl Therapeutics, noted that children with progeria face a severe and life-limiting condition, but ongoing scientific advancements are opening new possibilities. He added that the agreement represents a step forward in translating research into meaningful treatment options.
Progerinin is an orally administered small-molecule drug designed to target progerin, an abnormal protein responsible for cellular damage in HGPS. By inhibiting the harmful effects of progerin, the drug aims to improve nuclear stability and reduce disease progression. However, it has not yet received approval from any regulatory authority.
Preclinical studies in animal models have shown promising results, with treated mice demonstrating improved body weight and significantly extended lifespan compared to untreated controls. These findings support further clinical evaluation of the molecule.
HGPS is an ultra-rare genetic condition characterized by accelerated aging in children, often leading to severe cardiovascular complications. Affected individuals typically succumb to the disease at an average age of around 14.5 years. Currently, Zokinvy (lonafarnib) remains the only approved treatment for HGPS in several global markets.
The Progeria Research Foundation also welcomed the development, highlighting that continued research and collaboration are essential to advancing treatment options for patients suffering from this devastating disease.
Zydus Lifesciences is an innovation-driven global life sciences company with a strong presence in pharmaceuticals and research, employing over 29,000 people worldwide and focusing on delivering impactful healthcare solutions.
