Centauri therapeutics selects first ABX-01 clinical candidate

Lead candidate for lung infections moves to human trials

Centauri Therapeutics Limited has announced the selection of its first clinical candidate for the ABX-01 programme.

The compound is designed to target serious Gram-negative bacterial lung infections. This drug candidate will be developed ahead of first in-human clinical studies. The compound is based on the company’s Alphamer platform.

The lead candidate in the ABX-01 programme is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptide. It combats clinically prevalent and multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. It employs a dual mechanism of action. This combines immunotherapeutic effects with intrinsic antibacterial properties. Preclinical studies have shown the compound’s activity against Gram-negative bacteria.

“We are excited to enter the clinical development phase with the ABX-01 lead candidate, thanks to our dedicated team who have worked hard to advance our Alphamer platform to this crucial stage. The platform has the potential to address a vital gap in the current anti-infective treatment landscape, and we remain confident that our lead candidate will continue to demonstrate this as we progress towards a phase 1 clinical trial,” commented Dr Jennifer Schneider, CEO, Centauri Therapeutics.

Dr Helen Bright, CSO, Centauri Therapeutics, said: “Our focus at Centauri Therapeutics has always been on developing novel immune therapy approaches to expand treatment options for the most vulnerable, starting with the anti-infectives space.

“Reaching this stage highlights the potential of our disruptive technology, not only in anti-infectives, but also within the oncology and vaccines spaces. I look forward to working alongside our brilliant and highly motivated team to take us into this next phase of development.”

Centauri is now conducting regulatory preclinical activities. This will enable streamlined progression of its lead clinical candidate into a phase 1 clinical trial.