Sphinx Pharmaceuticals

Sphinx Pharmaceuticals was a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of small molecule drugs that regulate signal transduction, specifically targeting the Protein Kinase C (PKC) family of enzymes. Founded in 1987 and based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, the company was a pioneer in the use of combinatorial chemistry and high-throughput screening to identify novel therapeutic leads. Its primary clinical focus included treatments for psoriasis and various oncology indications. In 1994, the company was acquired by Eli Lilly and Company for approximately $72 million in stock. This acquisition allowed Eli Lilly to integrate Sphinx's advanced molecular biology and chemical library platforms into its global R&D operations. Sphinx is often cited as an early example of a platform-based acquisition in the biotechnology industry.