Zynext Ventures USA LLC, the venture capital arm of Zydus Lifesciences, has announced a strategic investment in Feldan Therapeutics, a Canada-based early clinical-stage pharmaceutical company specializing in innovative intracellular drug delivery technologies.
Feldan is pioneering the use of its proprietary Shuttle peptide platform, designed to enable efficient and targeted delivery of biomolecules directly into cells. This cutting-edge approach opens new avenues in therapeutic development. The company’s lead candidate, FLD-103, targets basal cell carcinoma (BCC) by delivering a Hedgehog pathway inhibitor directly into cancerous lesions. This non-surgical treatment aims to enhance patient outcomes and significantly improve quality of life.
In addition to dermatology, Feldan is also progressing with a pulmonary program. This initiative leverages the Shuttle technology’s unique ability to penetrate difficult-to-reach lung cells, addressing the growing and unmet needs in respiratory care.
Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences, stated, “At Zydus, we are deeply committed to driving innovation that bridges critical gaps in healthcare. Our support of Feldan aligns with our mission to develop novel, safe, and targeted therapies for dermatological and pulmonary diseases, ultimately helping patients live healthier, better lives.”
Jay Kothari, Director at Zynext Ventures, added, “Feldan’s platform represents a significant advancement in intracellular delivery technologies and holds promise for next-generation therapies. It complements the disruptive innovations we seek to back in our investment portfolio.”
Fran‡ois-Thomas Michaud, CEO of Feldan Therapeutics, welcomed the partnership, saying, “This collaboration with Zynext Ventures is a major milestone in our journey to solve complex drug delivery challenges. With their strategic guidance and shared vision for innovation, we are well-equipped to accelerate the development of transformative therapies.”