Sentynl Therapeutics, a U.S.-based biopharmaceutical company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Zydus Lifesciences, has entered into a licensing agreement with South Korea-based PRG S&T to advance the development of Progerinin (SLC-D011), an investigational therapy for Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS), a rare and fatal genetic disorder.
Under the terms of the agreement, Sentynl will collaborate with PRG S&T to accelerate the clinical development of Progerinin, which has already received orphan drug designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The deal also includes provisions that could grant Sentynl full rights to the molecule for HGPS upon the achievement of certain development milestones. If completed, Progerinin would become the company’s second therapy targeting progeria.
The program is currently nearing completion of a Phase 2A clinical trial, with data anticipated before the end of the first half of 2026. The results are expected to provide critical insights into the drug’s safety and efficacy, potentially paving the way for further development and regulatory engagement.
Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome is an ultra-rare genetic condition characterized by accelerated aging in children, often leading to severe cardiovascular complications and significantly shortened lifespans. The disease is caused by the buildup of progerin, a defective form of the lamin A protein, which disrupts normal cellular function and accelerates biological aging.
Progerinin is designed as an orally administered small molecule that targets the harmful interaction of progerin within cells. By inhibiting these interactions, the therapy aims to restore nuclear stability and reduce cellular damage, potentially slowing disease progression and improving patient outcomes. However, the drug remains investigational and has not yet been approved by the FDA or any other regulatory authority.
Dr. Sharvil P. Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences, described the agreement as a significant step in expanding the company’s rare disease portfolio. He emphasized the importance of addressing unmet medical needs in conditions like progeria, which can have devastating effects if left untreated.
Matt Heck, CEO of Sentynl, highlighted the growing momentum in progeria research, noting that scientific advances are opening new possibilities for treatment. He stated that the addition of Progerinin reflects the company’s commitment to delivering meaningful therapeutic options to affected children and their families.
The Progeria Research Foundation also welcomed the development, noting its role in supporting early research that contributed to the discovery of Progerinin. Medical Director Dr. Leslie Gordon expressed optimism about the continued progress toward new treatments.
Currently, lonafarnib (marketed as Zokinvy) is the only approved therapy for HGPS in several global markets, including the United States and Europe. If successful, Progerinin could offer an additional option for patients facing this devastating condition, reinforcing broader efforts to improve survival and quality of life in rare genetic diseases.