Zynerba Pharmaceuticals: Developing Therapeutics for Rare and Orphan Neuropsychiatric Conditions

Zynerba Pharmaceuticals specializes in developing innovative transdermal cannabinoid therapies for patients with neuropsychiatric disorders. The company was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Devon, Pennsylvania, USA. Zynerba is focused on the development of therapeutics for rare and orphan neuropsychiatric conditions, including Fragile X syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome. The company’s transdermal approach involves delivering cannabinoids through the skin, which can potentially provide targeted and sustained relief to patients while minimizing systemic side effects.

Zynerba’s lead product candidate is called Zygel (also known as ZYN002), which is a synthetic cannabidiol (CBD) gel designed to be applied to the skin. Zygel is being developed for the treatment of Fragile X syndrome, a rare genetic condition that can cause intellectual disability, behavioral and social challenges, and other symptoms. In clinical trials, Zygel has shown promising results in improving several symptoms of Fragile X syndrome, including anxiety, irritability, and social avoidance. Zynerba is also conducting research on other potential cannabinoid therapies, including a product candidate called ZYN001, which is being developed for the treatment of epilepsy and chronic pain.

Story of Commencement

Zynerba Pharmaceuticals was founded by Armando Anido, Chairman and CEO, and Audra Stinchcomb, Chief Scientific Officer, with the goal of developing transdermal cannabinoid therapies. They believed that transdermal delivery of cannabinoids could provide targeted and sustained relief to patients with neuropsychiatric conditions while minimizing the systemic side effects that can be associated with other delivery methods. Zynerba initially focused on developing cannabinoid therapies for pain and inflammation, but the company’s focus shifted to neuropsychiatric conditions as it became clear that there was a significant unmet need in this area. In particular, the company saw an opportunity to develop therapies for rare and orphan neuropsychiatric conditions, which often have few, if any, treatment options available.

Since its founding, Zynerba has worked to advance its pipeline of product candidates and build out its transdermal technology platform. The company has conducted multiple clinical trials of its lead product candidate, Zygel (also known as ZYN002), and has explored new applications for its transdermal technology in areas such as epilepsy, Fragile X syndrome, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Bringing over Three Decades of Industry Knowledge

Terri B. Sebree joined Zynerba Pharmaceuticals as President in January 2021, bringing over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry to the company. As President, Sebree oversees all commercial, medical affairs, and business development activities for the company. In her role as head of commercial operations, Sebree is responsible for developing and executing strategies to bring Zynerba’s transdermal cannabinoid therapies to market. This involves working closely with the company’s sales and marketing teams to ensure that the therapies are reaching the patients who need them most.

Sebree also oversees medical affairs at Zynerba, which includes the company’s clinical development programs as well as its interactions with healthcare providers and patients. In this capacity, she works closely with the company’s clinical and regulatory teams to ensure that Zynerba’s therapies are safe and effective, and that they are being developed in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Prior to joining Zynerba, Sebree served as the President and General Manager of the US division of Takeda Pharmaceuticals, where she was responsible for the company’s portfolio of prescription products across multiple therapeutic areas. She also held senior leadership roles at several other pharmaceutical companies, including Novartis, Eli Lilly, and Sanofi.

Unique Solutions for Stubborn Challenges 

Developing therapies for rare and orphan conditions can be challenging for a variety of reasons. For example, there may be limited information available about the condition, and it may be difficult to recruit patients for clinical trials. Additionally, there may be limited commercial potential for therapies that treat rare diseases, which can make it difficult to secure funding for research and development.

Despite these challenges, Zynerba is committed to developing innovative therapies for patients with rare neuropsychiatric conditions. The company believes that its transdermal approach to delivering cannabinoids could provide targeted and sustained relief to patients.

Prioritizing Patient Safety and Wellbeing

 

In terms of social responsibility, Zynerba Pharmaceuticals has taken steps to prioritize patient safety and wellbeing in its research and development efforts. The company’s mission to develop cannabinoid therapies for patients with neuropsychiatric disorders has the potential to improve the lives of people with conditions such as Fragile X syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, and developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. The company has also prioritized diversity and inclusion, with a board of directors and executive team that includes women and individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Zynerba remains committed to advancing its pipeline and using its transdermal technology platform to explore new applications in areas such as epilepsy and Autism Spectrum Disorder. With a focus on patient safety and diversity, and the recent addition of experienced leadership, the company is poised for continued growth and success in developing innovative therapies for patients in need.

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