Details

Last Funding Type

Series A

Last Funding Money Raised

£24M

Industries

Biotechnology,Genetics,Health Care,Medical,Therapeutics

Founded date

Jan 1, 2015

Number Of Employee

11 - 50

Operating Status

Active

Centauri Therapeutics is a UK-based biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of novel molecules targeting life threatening diseases.

The Alphamer technology is based on "programmable immunity" in which chemically synthesised molecules redirect naturally occurring antibodies to selected pathogens to fight the infection. The molecules have two distinct parts: one end binds a cell-surface target on the pathogen using an aptamer whereas the other end presents specific epitopes that attach to the circulating antibodies. It has been demonstrated that Alphamers have the potential to redirect pre-existing antibodies to bacteria in a specific manner and trigger an immediate antibacterial immune response, so clearing the infection.

Centauri Therapeutics’ strategy is to redirect naturally occurring antibodies to target disease. Centauri Therapeutics' unique Chemistry Platform provides a flexible scaffold to enable the synthesis of specific Alphamers. These are bifunctional molecules which present a selective cell binding moiety as well as an epitope that recruits pre-existing antibodies, resulting in cell killing.

Centauri Therapeutics believes their technology is widely applicable in the treatment of life threatening infectious diseases. Companies with an interest in accessing Centauri’s Alphamer technology or with an interest in one of their current projects, are warmly encouraged to contact them to discuss partnering opportunities.

In order to drive success in the important area of immuno-oncology, Centauri Therapeutics has established a joint venture, Avvinity Therapeutics, with Horizon Discovery in March 2016. Avvinity combines Centauri’s Alphamer Technology with the gene editing and oncology expertise of Horizon.

In addition to Centauri Therapeutics' immuno-oncology joint venture, Centauri maintains a strong network of collaborators in the areas of aptamer selection, drug discovery, chemistry and immunology.