Signum Biosciences, has announced that the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) awarded the company a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) phase IIB grant totaling $3.0 million over 3 years for the development of a novel topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug candidate for atopic dermatitis (AD).  

Utilizing the funding provided by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) via the preceding Phase II grant, Signum identified SIG1451 from its isoprenylcysteine (IPC) library as its lead drug candidate for AD. This Phase IIB funding will be used to take SIG1451 through IND-enabling safety/toxicology studies and into the clinic, where Post-IND clinical, chemistry and formulation work will also be performed.

"This award is further validation of the potential of Signum's IPC technology platform for the treatment of dermatological related diseases. We are excited about the continued support of the NIAID which was instrumental in funding our initial drug development program (rosacea - SIG990/DMT210), currently in Phase II clinical trials. We are pleased to be awarded this grant to continue delivering safe and novel treatments for skin disease," stated Maxwell Stock, President/CEO.

Signum has a successful track record of developing and out-licensing novel chemical entities in both the cosmetic and Rx dermatology space. Dr. Eduardo Pérez, CSO, stated, "Over the past decade we have built a robust medicinal chemistry and R&D team to mine our IPC library for new therapeutics. Building on the experience and momentum provided by SIG990/DMT210, we believe SIG1451 will provide an important additional, and potentially better, therapeutic option for those suffering from AD."

Signum Biosciences was founded in 2003 and is a dermatology focused company developing novel cosmetic functional ingredients and drug compounds based on the IPC technology platform.