Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare genetic disorder estimated to affect 16,500 people in the U.S., according to the National PKU Association. People with PKU are unable to process phenylalanine (Phe), an essential amino acid that enters the body as a component of dietary protein. PKU requires adherence to a strict diet to prevent the toxic accumulation of Phe in the blood and brain, which can impact neurological function. Synlogic has designed a Synthetic Biotic medicine, SYNB1618, to produce phenylalanine-degrading enzymes designed to lower Phe levels to allow those with PKU to consume more natural protein. We are currently conducting clinical trials of SYNB1618 in people with PKU to demonstrate safety and to test whether this could be a useful therapeutic option to help patients manage their blood Phe levels.

Cancer cells are known for their ability to evade the body’s immune system, allowing them to persist, proliferate and metastasize. Synlogic is designing Synthetic Biotic medicines that work to combat the tumor’s ability to evade the immune system, boosting a patient’s immune response and promoting the body’s ability to detect and destroy cancer cells. These programs are now in pre-clinical studies. Synlogic is advancing its first clinical candidate in cancer, SYNB1891, into Investigational New Drug application (IND)-enabling studies. SYNB1891 is designed to activate the STING pathway specifically in antigen presenting cells that naturally sense and engulf bacteria. This results in local ablation of cancer cells as well targeting metastases that spread throughout the body.

Synlogic is partnering with pharmaceutical company AbbVie to develop novel Synthetic Biotic medicines to treat inflammatory bowel disease.