SCYNEXIS Announces Research Agreement With Merck for Discovery of Novel Oncology Agents


RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC -- (MARKET WIRE) -- December 6, 2006 --SCYNEXIS, Inc., a chemistry-focused drug discovery and development company, today announced that it has entered into a multi-year research agreement with Merck & Co., Inc. to discover and develop novel oncology compounds.

Through the use of its proprietary technologies, SCYNEXIS will produce highly-targeted compound libraries and utilize rapid lead optimization techniques to develop new drug candidates for clinical evaluation.

"SCYNEXIS is pleased to carry on our successful relationship with Merck by collaborating in this new area of research," said Dr. Yves J. Ribeill, president & chief executive officer of SCYNEXIS.

About SCYNEXIS

SCYNEXIS is a chemistry-focused drug discovery and development company with its headquarters located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. SCYNEXS' goal, from concept to clinic, is to deliver effective and innovative drug pipeline solutions to our pharmaceutical partners. SCYNEXIS' research teams integrate computational chemistry, medicinal chemistry, bioanalysis and process chemistry. SCYNEXIS teams use powerful, proprietary technologies such as the HEOS® Software Suite, MEDCHEM-FACTORY® and KIT™ Kinase Inhibitor Technology to optimize lead molecules for candidate selection. SCYNEXIS process chemistry and bioanalytical departments operate under current GMP/GLP guidelines and have established a strong track record of success. SCYNEXIS tailors its teams to be especially effective in moving customer projects from the discovery phase to clinical proof of concept.

For more information, please go to www.scynexis.com

Contact Information: SCYNEXIS Media Contact: Rick Rountree Rick Rountree Communications (919) 878-1144 Email Contact SCYNEXIS Market Development Contact: Terry Marquardt (919) 544-8600 Email Contact