2008-11-07 15:00:04 -

www.scynexis.com - Drug discovery company SCYNEXIS, Inc. today announced that data from preclinical studies of the Company's lead product candidate for hepatitis C (HCV), SCY-635, will be presented in poster sessions at the 59th Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) being held in San Francisco, October 31-November 4, 2008.

SCY-635 represents a

new mechanism of action for the treatment of HCV infection and is the first candidate in a novel new class of non-immunosuppressive cyclophilin inhibitors owned by SCYNEXIS. Cyclophilins assist in the folding and transport of other proteins synthesized within a cell. Protein folding or misfolding plays a central role in the pathophysiology of a number of serious diseases, such as viral infections. SCY-635 is currently being studied in a Phase 1b randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-dose study in patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus.

Presentations at AASLD:

Tuesday, November 4, 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM Pacific Time: HCV: Preclinical and Clinical Trials Session

Abstract 1915 entitled "The Discovery of Novel, Non-immunosuppressive Cyclosporin Ethers, and Thioethers with Potent HCV Activity" will be presented by SCYNEXIS. In the study, the role of 3-Sar ether and thioether groups were evaluated for binding to cyclophilins A and B, immunosuppressive potential and HCV replicon activity.

Tuesday, November 4, 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM Pacific Time: Gene Expression and Therapy Session

Abstract 1814 entitled "The Genetic and Biochemical Basis for Resistance to SCY-635" will be presented by SCYNEXIS. In the study, the genetic and biochemical basis of resistance to SCY-635 was evaluated.

About SCYNEXIS

SCYNEXIS is a premier drug discovery and development company delivering effective and innovative drug pipeline solutions to pharmaceutical and global health partners. The Company, which is located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, is also focused on developing a proprietary internal pipeline based on cyclophilin inhibitors, a class of drugs that hold significant potential for the treatment of a broad range of diseases. Please visit our website at www.scynexis.com

For SCYNEXIS, Inc.
Media Contacts:
Rick Rountree, 919-878-1144
rick@rickrountree.com
or
Sarah Cavanaugh, 781-235-3060
scavanaugh@macbiocom.com
or
Market Development Contact:
SCYNEXIS, Inc.
Terry Marquardt, 919-544-8603