Zydus Lifesciences subsidiary, Sentynl Therapeutics, has entered an agreement with Korea’s PRG S&T to license the investigational molecule Progerinin (SLC-D011) for treating Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS). Progerinin, an orally active small-molecule drug, is already designated as an orphan drug by the FDA. This addition bolsters Sentynl’s rare disease portfolio, with clinical trial data expected before the end of 1H 2026.
Sentynl Secures License for Progeria Treatment
Sentynl Therapeutics Inc. (“Sentynl”), a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary of Zydus Lifesciences Limited (“Zydus”), announced on March 16, 2026, that it has entered into an agreement with PRG S&T, a Korean specialty developer. The agreement grants Sentynl rights to license the investigational molecule Progerinin (SLC-D011) for the treatment of Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS or “progeria”).
Under the terms, Sentynl will work immediately with PRG S&T to advance the clinical development of Progerinin, which currently holds orphan drug designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Upon closing, contingent on specified milestones being met, Sentynl will acquire full rights to the molecule for HGPS.
Advancing the Progeria Portfolio
Sentynl will acquire full rights to the investigational drug candidate, Progerinin (SLC-D011), significantly adding to its commercial portfolio focused on rare and ultra-rare disease products. The program is currently finalizing a Phase 2A clinical trial, with data anticipated before the end of 1H 2026.
Dr. Sharvil P. Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences Limited, stated this acquisition is a major step in growing their portfolio for HGPS, a condition that has severe impacts if left untreated. Matt Heck, CEO of Sentynl, emphasized the commitment to translating progress into a real therapy for children and families.
About Progerinin and HGPS
Progerinin is described as an investigational, orally active small-molecule drug. It is designed to treat HGPS, a rare genetic disorder characterized by accelerated aging in children, caused by the accumulation of progerin due to mutations in the LMNA gene. Progerinin works by inhibiting the interaction and harmful effects of progerin, aiming to improve nuclear integrity.
Currently, Zokinvy® (lonafarnib) is noted as the only approved treatment for HGPS in major markets, including the U.S. and E.U. Preclinical mouse models showed that treatment with Progerinin increased lifespan by 8–10 weeks.
HGPS patients commonly die from atherosclerosis around an average age of 14.5 years. The Progeria Research Foundation (PRF), which funded foundational research for Progerinin, expressed gratitude for the efforts of PRG S&T and Sentynl in developing potential treatments.
Company Backgrounds
Sentynl Therapeutics Inc. is a commercial-stage U.S.-based biopharmaceutical company focused on bringing innovative therapies to patients with rare diseases, leveraging the global operations of the Zydus Group.
PRG S&T is a research and development company specializing in therapeutics for rare genetic diseases, including laminopathies and neurodegenerative disorders, using small molecules derived from Protein-Protein Interactions (PPI) target sites.
Source: BSE
