pezadeftide

Pezadeftide (formerly HXP124) is an investigational antifungal peptide developed by Hexima Limited for the topical treatment of onychomycosis (fungal nail infections). It is a plant-derived defensin, representing a novel class of antimicrobial biologic peptides. Pezadeftide exerts its antifungal effect by penetrating the fungal cell wall and inducing a rapid mitochondrial response, specifically the hyperpolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, which leads to fungal cell death. The drug was designed to penetrate the human nail plate effectively while avoiding systemic absorption and toxicity to human cells. Although it demonstrated safety and antifungal activity in early clinical trials, a Phase IIb trial (HXP124-ONY-002) completed in 2022 failed to meet its primary clinical endpoints, leading Hexima to discontinue the development program for onychomycosis.

Other names

pezadeftide