Centauri Therapeutics Selects First Clinical Candidate for Gram-Negative Infection Treatment
Centauri Therapeutics Limited, an immunotherapy company leveraging its unique Alphamer® platform technology, has announced the selection of its first clinical candidate in the ABX-01 program. This groundbreaking compound is designed to address serious Gram-negative bacterial infections in the lungs, offering new therapeutic options for the most vulnerable patient populations. The lead candidate will now proceed to further development and will be evaluated in first-in-human clinical studies.
The ABX-01 program’s lead candidate is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptide, selected for its ability to combat clinically significant, multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. It features a dual mechanism of action, combining immunotherapeutic effects through complement fixation and phagocytosis with intrinsic antibacterial properties—all within a single molecule. Preclinical studies have already demonstrated the compound’s efficacy against Gram-negative bacteria, which are known for their resistance to many common antibiotics.
Dr. Jennifer Schneider, CEO of Centauri Therapeutics, expressed excitement about advancing the ABX-01 lead candidate into the clinical development phase. “We are thrilled to enter this new stage of development, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our team. Our Alphamer platform offers a promising solution to the critical gap in current anti-infective treatments, and we are optimistic that our lead candidate will continue to show its potential as we move toward Phase I clinical trials,” Dr. Schneider commented. She also expressed gratitude for the continuous support of their investors and long-standing partner, CARB-X.
Dr. Helen Bright, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of Centauri Therapeutics, added, “At Centauri, our focus has always been on developing innovative immune therapy approaches to provide expanded treatment options, especially for vulnerable patients. Reaching this stage highlights the tremendous potential of our technology, not just in anti-infectives, but also in oncology and vaccines. I look forward to working with our talented and motivated team as we move forward in this next phase of development.”
The ABX-01 candidate was selected after a rigorous process of preclinical testing, which highlighted its ability to target a broad range of Gram-negative bacteria, including strains that are resistant to multiple drugs. These bacterial infections are particularly concerning in immunocompromised individuals and patients with chronic conditions, such as those with respiratory diseases. The need for novel therapeutic options in this space is growing, as multidrug-resistant infections continue to pose a significant threat to global health.
The Alphamer® platform, developed by Centauri Therapeutics, is designed to address this challenge by creating targeted, immune-boosting treatments. The platform can produce molecules that not only attack bacteria directly but also activate the immune system, enhancing the body’s natural defenses. This unique approach allows for the development of therapies that are not only antibacterial but also capable of modulating the immune system to clear infections more effectively.
Centauri is currently conducting regulatory preclinical activities to enable the smooth progression of the ABX-01 candidate into Phase I clinical trials. These activities are critical to ensuring that the candidate is safe and ready for human trials, and they are expected to be completed in the coming months.
The development of ABX-01 has been supported by CARB-X, a global partnership that supports the development of innovative antibacterial treatments. The funding for this project has been provided in part through federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), specifically from the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). Additionally, the project has received support from Wellcome and Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
CARB-X’s financial backing underscores the significance of Centauri’s work in addressing the urgent need for new therapies to combat antibiotic-resistant infections. These infections, particularly those caused by Gram-negative bacteria, have become increasingly difficult to treat with existing antibiotics, making the development of novel therapies like ABX-01 crucial for global health.
Centauri Therapeutics is optimistic about the future of the ABX-01 candidate and the broader potential of its Alphamer® platform. By advancing this lead candidate into clinical trials, the company is one step closer to bringing a much-needed solution to market for patients suffering from serious Gram-negative bacterial infections. The company’s innovative approach offers hope for overcoming some of the toughest challenges in infectious disease treatment and will continue to progress through the development pipeline in the coming months.
In conclusion, Centauri Therapeutics’ selection of ABX-01 as its first clinical candidate marks a significant milestone in the company’s mission to develop next-generation immunotherapies for bacterial infections. With continued support from key partners and funding bodies, Centauri is poised to make a meaningful impact on the fight against multidrug-resistant infections, ultimately improving outcomes for vulnerable patient populations.
