Sentynl Therapeutics, a US-based biopharmaceutical company wholly-owned by Zydus Lifesciences and Eiger BioPharmaceuticals, a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of innovative therapies for rare metabolic diseases, have announced the successful closing of the sale of Eiger's Zokinvy® (lonafarnib) program to Sentynl.

Zokinvy, the first and only treatment approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) and processing-deficient progeroid laminopathies (PDPL), has garnered approvals in the European Union, Great Britain, and Japan after its US approval in 2020. 

Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences, emphasized the importance of this acquisition in expanding their portfolio of medicines for rare diseases. "We are focused on supporting patients to live healthier and more fulfilled lives. The acquisition of Zokinvy directly furthers this mission, as it has a demonstrated meaningful impact on young patients and their families," said Dr. Patel.

Matt Heck, President & Chief Executive Officer of Sentynl, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to include Zokinvy in their portfolio, highlighting the company's dedication to addressing the unmet needs of patients with rare diseases.

David Apelian, MD, PhD, MBA, CEO of Eiger, commended the collaboration with Sentynl, underscoring their shared commitment to supporting patients with life-threatening rare conditions.

As part of the transaction, Sentynl acquired global rights to Zokinvy and will oversee its manufacturing and commercialization. The sale was approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, following Eiger's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.