SquareX Pharmaceuticals is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company developing a treatment for the prevention of cold sores (oral herpes).

Our lead product candidate, SQX770, is a topical formulation of the immunomodulator squaric acid dibutyl ester (SADBE). We are currently in clinical trials to evaluate SADBE for the prevention of recurrent outbreaks caused by infection by Herpes Simplex Virus 1 or Herpes Simplex Virus 2.

We have completed a placebo-controlled Phase 1 study, a second clinical trial to determine the mechanism of action, and a placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial. Additionally, SquareX will be completing a Phase 2 bridge trial and expects to commence a Phase 3 study in 2023 or early 2024.

SQX770 is unique. A single topical application to the arm, not the lip or face, has been shown in clinical trials to prevent cold sore outbreaks (oral herpes) in people with frequent outbreaks for 3 months.

More than seven million people in the U.S. suffer with six or more outbreaks every year. The global cold sore treatment market reached $825.24 million in 2021 and is expected to reach $1.37 billion by 2029.

The herpes simplex treatment market was valued at $1.49 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.81% from 2022 to 2030.

There are no existing medications indicated for the prevention of outbreaks.