英国Funxional Therapeutics  

FXT is focusing on novel anti-inflammatory therapies that exploit a new pathway discovered by FXT and intends to advance its proprietary drug candidates up to the clinical proof of concept, then seeking partnerships for further development of the products. FXT’s broad and deep IP estate, including long-dated composition of matter patents (granted in the US and the UK) for lead and back-up compounds, ensures a world-leading position in a newly emerging field of inflammation biology.

The most advanced compound in FXT’s product portfolio is FX125L, which completed the single and multiple dose Phase I clinical trials in the USA and is ready for “gold standard” three month Phase II studies in major inflammatory conditions, planned to start during 1H 2011. FX125L is an orally available small molecule suitable for once daily dosing, that belongs to the new class of somatotaxins.

The somatotaxins exploit a new pathway discovered by FXT, which is acting through the type-2 somatostatin receptor and is involved in the resolution of inflammation and disrupted in chronic inflammatory diseases including asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Other somatotaxins have also been identified as back up molecules and as candidates for development as topical anti-inflammatory agents.

Further development FXT's second proprietary technology, the G-protein coupled receptors Agonist-Enriched Libraries (GAEL), will be achieved through licensing-out of this technology to a suitable partner.

FXT commenced operations in January 2007 and is managed by a very experienced team, backed by funding from Index Ventures, Novo A/S and Ventech, while its shareholders also include Ipsen and Cambridge University.

FXT’s research facilities are based in Cambridge (UK), while the development work is managed centrally but conducted internationally through Contract Research Organizations and a network of expert advisors in each operational area.