Antifungal Candidate SCY-247 Received Federal Funding

The U.S. government has awarded a contract to advance the development of a potential treatment for drug-resistant fungal infections.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Diseases — General

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a geometric hexagonal lattice structure, representing the microscopic study of antifungal medical treatments. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded a $214 million contract to advance the development of the antifungal drug candidate SCY-247. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded a contract worth up to $214 million to support the advancement of the antifungal candidate SCY-247. This funding will help progress the drug into Phase 2 clinical trials.

Why it matters

The contract seeks to address the growing public health threat of drug-resistant fungal infections. It provides the necessary resources to move the experimental treatment through late-stage development and eventual submission for FDA approval.

SCYNEXIS reported positive Phase 1 data for the oral formulation of SCY-247 in September 2025. This contract now supports the advancement of both oral and intravenous formulations of this second-generation fungerp antifungal into Phase 2 trials.

The players

SCYNEXIS

A biotechnology company headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey, that focuses on the development of novel antifungal therapies.

BARDA

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, a federal agency tasked with securing the United States against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats and pandemic threats.

The details

SCY-247 belongs to a class of compounds known as fungerps, which inhibit the synthesis of cell wall components essential for fungal growth. By targeting these structural integrity pathways, the drug aims to neutralize fungal pathogens that have developed resistance to standard treatments. The current federal award is structured as a cost-share arrangement covering direct and administrative expenses for development through the NDA submission process.

September 2025: Positive Phase 1 data reported for oral SCY-247.
March 4, 2026: SCYNEXIS filed an Annual Report on Form 10-K.
September 28, 2026: The BARDA contract award was announced.

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Health Landscape

The development of SCY-247 follows a pattern set by the FDA's Qualified Infectious Disease Product designation program, which prioritizes new treatments for serious infections. This federal investment highlights the ongoing effort to modernize the antifungal landscape in response to rising resistance.

This news indicates early-stage progress in the development of a potential new therapy for hard-to-treat infections. While this drug is currently in clinical trials, patients interested in the evolution of infectious disease care can discuss the significance of emerging antifungal innovations with their physician.

The takeaway

The development of new antifungal agents is essential for managing the growing challenge of drug-resistant infections. Readers should be aware that clinical trials are a long-term process and should consult their healthcare provider for current, approved treatment options for fungal conditions.