Elion Therapeutics Expands Pipeline with Novel Inhaled Antifungal for Immunocompromised Patients

BOSTON, Oct. 14, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Elion Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, has expanded its pipeline with the acquisition of an exclusive global license to a novel inhaled antifungal, EL777. This development is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to address the growing threat of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in immunocompromised patients.

Invasive fungal infections claim 3.8 million lives worldwide each year, making them a significant public health concern. These infections typically affect individuals with weakened immune systems, including those undergoing cancer treatments, organ transplants, or those with HIV/AIDS or severe lung disease. According to the release, more than 1 in 20 U.S. adults are immunosuppressed, a rate that has doubled since 2013.

EL777 is a polyene antifungal engineered to be delivered directly to the lungs through a dry powder inhaler. The drug is designed to prevent fungal infections by destroying inhaled fungal spores before they can germinate, spread, and invade the body. This phase 2-ready compound complements Elion Therapeutics’ existing program, Turletricin, which focuses on treating infections that have already spread.

Dr. Kieren Marr, CEO of Elion Therapeutics, emphasized the importance of prophylaxis in protecting highly vulnerable patients.

The company is committed to developing therapies that can serve immunocompromised patients today and in the future. Elion Therapeutics is backed by $82 million in Series B financing from Deerfield, AMRAF, and UI Ventures. This funding will support the company's ongoing research and development efforts, including the advancement of EL777 into clinical trials.

EL777 consists of aerodynamically engineered polyene nanoparticles, which are delivered directly to the lungs through a purpose-built dry powder inhaler. The drug is designed to distribute throughout the lung epithelium while keeping systemic exposure to a minimum, making it ideally suited to preventing pulmonary fungal infections in immunocompromised patients. In Phase 1 single- and multiple-ascending dose (SAD and MAD) studies, plasma concentrations were negligible, and there was no evidence of polyene-related toxicities.

The addition of EL777 to Elion Therapeutics' pipeline underscores the company's commitment to addressing the growing threat of invasive fungal infections. With a comprehensive approach that includes both prophylaxis and treatment, Elion Therapeutics aims to provide safe and effective solutions for the growing population of immunocompromised patients.