Centauri Therapeutics Secures $5.1 Million for Clinical Trials

Centauri Therapeutics Limited has announced that it 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 first-in-human clinical trials. This new funding brings CARB-X’s total financial support for Centauri since 2019 to $12.3 million.

The funding will primarily support the transition of ABX-01, which was selected as the first clinical candidate in March 2025, into initial human studies. The compound is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial specifically designed to target clinically prevalent and multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, particularly serious Gram-negative infections in the lungs. The development of ABX-01 aims to expand therapeutic options for vulnerable patient populations.

Centauri’s proprietary Alphamer platform underpins the design of ABX-01, which utilizes a dual mechanism of action. This innovative approach combines immunotherapeutic effects, such as complement fixation and phagocytosis, with intrinsic antibacterial properties, all within a single molecule. Early efficacy studies have shown promising results against Gram-negative bacteria, reinforcing the compound’s potential in combating serious infections.

Dr. Jennifer Schneider, Chief Executive Officer of Centauri Therapeutics, emphasized the significance of CARB-X’s support, stating, “The unwavering scientific and financial support from CARB-X has provided stability to Centauri as a company.” She noted that this backing has enabled the company to progress the ABX-01 program from discovery through early development stages, facilitating a smooth pathway toward clinical trials.

Dr. Erin Duffy, Chief of Research and Development at CARB-X, highlighted the organization’s commitment to Centauri. “We have been proud to support Centauri, beginning with answering key questions on the approach and continuing with the drug discovery that has led to the lead asset of ABX-01,” she said. Duffy expressed confidence that the ongoing collaboration will further the advancement of this critically needed therapeutic for drug-resistant infections.

The funding from CARB-X is partially supported by federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 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.

This latest funding milestone underscores the growing recognition of the need for innovative solutions to combat antibiotic resistance, a pressing global health challenge. As Centauri Therapeutics advances its lead compound, the hope is to soon provide a much-needed therapeutic option for patients facing the threat of serious, drug-resistant Gram-negative infections.