Addressing a Critical Unmet Need
Pathological calcifications represent a major unmet medical need, and IP6 is widely recognized as a potent inhibitor of calcification. I played a key role in elucidating the therapeutic potential of IP6 for cardiovascular calcifications, including demonstrating the durability of its effect.
From Discovery to a First-in-Class Candidate
To enable its development as a viable drug candidate, IP6 was reformulated as SNF472—a formulation containing IP6 as the active ingredient—and advanced as a new chemical entity (NCE) under EMA and FDA guidelines. The original idea came from a visionary young Mallorcan chemist, Joan Perelló. Joan devoted himself to building a strong, determined team with a single purpose: to deliver this drug to patients who currently have no available treatment, and thereby prolong, or even save, the lives of those suffering from medial vascular calcification.
I was privileged to join this team and dedicated my efforts to evaluating the efficacy, safety, toxicology, and ADME profile of SNF472. The journey was far from easy. At times, our team shrank from twelve to just four members. Survival became the company’s primary goal, and we concentrated our scientific work on key experiments that would add clear value and attract investment. We knocked on countless doors—from venture capital firms and business angels to banks—and along the way, we met fantastic people who believed we held a true blockbuster in our hands: a first-in-class therapy with the potential to save lives.
Clinical Validation and Market Readiness
Fortunately, the project never stopped. Our persistence paid off: we demonstrated that SNF472 has substantial potential to treat calcification broadly, and in particular, the aggressive forms seen in ESRD patients—most notably calciphylaxis, a life-threatening disease with very high mortality within a few years of diagnosis. I actively contributed to advancing SNF472 into clinical development, ensuring it met all regulatory and pharmacological requirements for clinical trials. Today, the project has successfully reached Phase 3 and NDA preparation, where it currently stands.
