Centauri Therapeutics, a UK-based immunotherapy company headquartered in Alderley Park, has raised £6 million in a Series A extension led by the AMR Action Fund, bringing the total Series A financing to £30 million.
The funding will be used to complete Phase I clinical studies for CTX-187, the lead candidate in its ABX-01 programme, and to expand research activities ahead of Phase II development.
What The Company Does
Led by CEO Jennifer Schneider, Centauri Therapeutics develops immunotherapies targeting infectious diseases and cancer through its proprietary Alphamer® platform. The technology uses synthetic molecules designed to redirect naturally occurring antibodies toward specific pathogens or cancer cells, enabling the immune system to respond more effectively to disease targets.
This immunotherapeutic approach differs from traditional antimicrobial strategies by leveraging pre-existing immune mechanisms rather than relying solely on conventional antibiotic pathways. By activating natural immune responses such as complement activation and opsonophagocytosis, the platform aims to create a more targeted and adaptable therapeutic model.
Centauri’s lead clinical asset, CTX-187, is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial candidate designed to address multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections, an area of growing clinical concern due to limited treatment options and increasing resistance to existing antibiotics.
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Market Context / Industry Background
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly among Gram-negative bacteria, is considered a major global health challenge as conventional antibiotics become less effective. The development pipeline for novel antimicrobials remains relatively limited, increasing the urgency for alternative therapeutic approaches that can address resistant pathogens.
Immunotherapy-based antimicrobial strategies are gaining attention as a complementary pathway to traditional drug development, particularly for vulnerable patient populations and severe infections where resistance significantly restricts treatment options. Venture investment in antimicrobial innovation has also become more targeted, with specialised funds focusing on therapies that address urgent unmet medical needs.
The involvement of the AMR Action Fund, the world’s largest venture capital fund dedicated to antimicrobial therapeutics and diagnostics, reflects broader industry efforts to accelerate the development of new treatments for drug-resistant infections.
Founder / Investor Commentary
Dr. Jennifer Schneider, Chief Executive Officer of Centauri Therapeutics, stated that the participation of the AMR Action Fund reinforces confidence in the company’s Alphamer platform as a promising immunotherapeutic approach for tackling infectious diseases. She noted that the additional funding provides a clearer pathway to advance CTX-187 beyond Phase I and progress toward a Phase II-ready clinical asset.
Dr. Henry Skinner, Chief Executive Officer of the AMR Action Fund, highlighted the growing burden of drug-resistant Gram-negative infections, emphasizing the limited effectiveness of existing treatments and the need for innovative therapeutic solutions. He described Centauri’s approach as a potentially important contribution to addressing one of the most pressing challenges in global health.
As part of the investment, Dr. Henni-Karoliina Ropponen, Venture Associate at the AMR Action Fund, has joined Centauri’s Board of Directors, strengthening the strategic collaboration between the investor and the company.
Growth Plans / Use Of Funds
The £6 million Series A extension will primarily support the completion of Phase I clinical trials for CTX-187, including the generation of key safety and early clinical data. The funding will also enable Centauri to expand its research programmes and prepare for Phase II clinical studies as the company advances its pipeline.
In parallel, the company intends to continue developing its broader Alphamer platform, exploring additional applications in infectious diseases and oncology. By progressing CTX-187 through early-stage clinical development, Centauri aims to establish a scalable immunotherapeutic framework for addressing antimicrobial resistance and other high-need therapeutic areas.
About Centauri Therapeutics
Centauri Therapeutics is a UK-based immunotherapy company developing novel treatments for infectious diseases and cancer. The company’s proprietary Alphamer® platform redirects natural antibodies to target pathogens and diseased cells, with a focus on addressing multidrug-resistant infections and advancing next-generation immunotherapeutic solutions.
