Centauri Therapeutics Secures $5.1 Million for Clinical Trials

Centauri Therapeutics Limited has received an additional $5.1 million in funding from CARB-X (Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator) to advance its lead compound, ABX-01, into human clinical trials. This latest investment increases CARB-X’s total support for Centauri to $12.3 million since 2019, underscoring the growing commitment to address antibiotic resistance.

The funding will specifically support the transition of ABX-01 into first-in-human clinical studies, following the selection of this broad-spectrum antimicrobial candidate in March 2025. Targeted against serious Gram-negative bacterial infections, ABX-01 aims to provide new treatment options for patients suffering from multidrug-resistant infections.

According to Centauri, the compound is derived from its proprietary Alphamer platform, which employs a dual mechanism of action. This includes immunotherapeutic effects through complement fixation and phagocytosis, alongside inherent antibacterial properties, all within one molecule. Early efficacy studies indicate that ABX-01 is effective against clinically significant Gram-negative bacteria, raising hopes for vulnerable patient populations.

Dr. Jennifer Schneider, Chief Executive Officer of Centauri Therapeutics, expressed gratitude for CARB-X’s unwavering support. “The scientific and financial backing from CARB-X has provided stability to Centauri, expanded our understanding of the Alphamer platform, and enabled the progression of the ABX-01 program,” she said. Dr. Schneider emphasized the importance of this funding in moving closer to delivering crucial therapies for patients with serious, drug-resistant infections.

In response, Dr. Erin Duffy, Chief of Research and Development at CARB-X, commended Centauri’s efforts, noting the organization’s support in addressing critical research questions and facilitating the development of ABX-01. “We have been proud to support Centauri in their journey, leading to the advancement of this promising asset towards clinical trials,” Dr. Duffy stated.

Funding for the project includes federal resources from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), specifically the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, under agreement number 75A50122C00028. Additional support comes from Wellcome and Germany’s Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space.

The content of this announcement reflects the views of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official positions of CARB-X or its funding bodies. The ongoing development of ABX-01 highlights the critical effort to combat antibiotic resistance and improve treatment options for patients at risk of severe infections.