Skye Bioscience Inc. has acquired Redx Pharma, a clinical-stage biotechnology company based at Alderley Park in Cheshire, UK, for an undisclosed amount. The transaction transfers ownership of Redx’s pipeline and research operations to Skye Bioscience, which will assume control of the UK-based team and its ongoing clinical programs.
Redx Pharma specializes in the discovery and development of small molecule therapeutics targeting cancer and fibrotic diseases. Its lead asset, zelasudil, a selective ROCK2 inhibitor for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, entered Phase 2 trials in late 2022. The company also advances RXC008, a GI-targeted pan-ROCK inhibitor for fibrostenotic Crohn’s disease, which began Phase 1 testing in early 2024, and zamaporvint, a Porcupine inhibitor in Phase 2 for oncology indications. Redx’s internal capabilities in medicinal chemistry and translational science have driven its pipeline to date.
For Skye Bioscience, the acquisition adds a mature clinical-stage portfolio in fibrosis and oncology, areas distinct from its own focus. The deal provides immediate access to Redx’s drug candidates, particularly zelasudil, which is positioned in a large unmet medical need market. Skye gains Redx’s established laboratory infrastructure and scientific expertise at Alderley Park, potentially accelerating development timelines for the acquired assets.
The strategic rationale centers on portfolio diversification and risk sharing. Redx’s ROCK2 and Porcupine inhibitors offer multiple value inflection points across Phase 1 and Phase 2 readouts, which could strengthen Skye’s pipeline without requiring early-stage discovery work. Redx’s track record in generating differentiated therapeutics against validated targets also adds long-term research capacity to the combined entity.
Post-acquisition, the combined company will operate with Redx’s clinical programs continuing under Skye’s oversight. The immediate focus will be on advancing zelasudil through its Phase 2 trial and maintaining momentum for RXC008 and zamaporvint. Integration of the two teams will likely center on aligning development priorities and resource allocation, with the Alderley Park site serving as a key hub for ongoing research activities.