CellCentric, a Cambridge, UK- and and Manchester, UK-based biotechnology company, received a $25M strategic investment from Pfizer.
Pfizer will support the company with its own clinical development program in multiple myeloma (MM) for 2024, alongside ongoing trials in specific haematological malignancies, through its Pfizer Ignite offering.
Led by CEO Will West, CellCentric focuses on twin acetyl transferase proteins, p300 and CBP, that act as transcription co-activation factors, and that drive the expression of genes important in cancer progression. The company, which has investigated over 50 epigenetic-related targets as new ways to treat disease, and specifically cancer, was spun out from the University of Cambridge, by pioneering developmental biologist Professor Azim Surani FRS, CBE, who wanted to further explore the potential of epigenetics to deliver new treatments.
In June 2023, CellCentric was granted orphan drug and fast track designation status from the FDA for inobrodib.
Inobrodib works by binding to a specific part of proteins p300 and CBP (bromodomain). It is highly selective and does not impact similar pockets on other proteins. Through this action inobrodib reduces the expression of key cancer drivers: IRF4, MYC, and the androgen receptor (AR and its variants).
In June 2023, CellCentric was granted orphan drug and fast track designation status from the FDA for inobrodib.
As part of the collaboration, Astrid Ruefli-Brasse, Vice President, Tumour Biology, Pfizer Worldwide Research & Development, will join CellCentric’s Scientific Advisory Board and Sriram Krishnaswami, Vice President and Development Head, Multiple Myeloma, Pfizer Global Product Development, will serve as an advisor to CellCentric.
FinSMEs
23/07/2023