Centivax Company Profile

Background

Centivax, founded in 2019, is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing broad-spectrum vaccines and therapeutics aimed at combating rapidly mutating pathogens. The company's mission is to accelerate the world's transition to a post-pathogen humanity by creating universal vaccines that provide protection against a wide array of infectious diseases, including influenza, COVID-19, and HIV.

Key Strategic Focus

Centivax's strategic focus centers on:

• Universal Vaccines: Developing vaccines capable of providing broad protection against multiple strains of rapidly mutating viruses.

• Broad-Spectrum Therapeutics: Creating antibody-based treatments targeting diverse and multi-drug resistant bacteria.

• Technological Innovation: Utilizing advanced computational immunoengineering platforms to design and optimize vaccines and therapeutics.

• Target Markets: Addressing global health challenges posed by infectious diseases such as influenza, coronaviruses, and HIV.

Financials and Funding

In November 2022, Centivax secured a $10 million seed investment co-led by NFX and the Global Health Investment Corporation (GHIC). This funding is allocated to:

• Initiating manufacturing of its lead broad-spectrum influenza vaccine for first-in-human clinical trials.

• Advancing the development of its universal vaccine platform technology for other infectious diseases, including COVID-19 and HIV.

Pipeline Development

Centivax's pipeline includes:

• Universal Influenza Vaccine (Cent-Flu): A proprietary multivalent mRNA vaccine designed to provide protection against current, past, and future influenza strains. Preclinical studies have demonstrated efficacy in ferrets, pigs, mice, rats, and human immune organoids. Human clinical trials are scheduled to begin in 2025.

• Broad-Spectrum Anti-Infectives: Programs targeting multi-drug resistant bacteria, supported by collaborations with the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium, the Naval Medical Research Center, and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Centivax's technological platforms include:

• Computational Immunoengineering: Leveraging computational biology to design vaccines and antibodies with broad-spectrum efficacy.

• Proprietary Vaccine Designs: Developing multivalent mRNA vaccines encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles to target conserved regions of viral proteins.

• High-Concentration Antibody Formulations: Engineering antibodies for high stability and low viscosity, enabling delivery via intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.

Leadership Team

• Dr. Jacob Glanville: Founder and CEO. Previously founded Distributed Bio, which was acquired by Charles River Laboratories.

• Dr. Sawsan Youssef: Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer. Formerly led Pfizer's PD-1 injectable antibody therapeutic from discovery into clinical trials.

• Dr. Pamela Garzone: Regulatory Affairs. Chief Medical Officer for Scripps Research Institute, with 21 successful IND submissions.

• Dr. David Gangemi: Co-founder and Director of Virology. Over 35 years of experience in biomedical research, including work with the military's infectious disease research program.

• Dr. Nicholas Bayless: Co-founder and Director of Translational Strategy. Expertise in advanced clinical trial design.

• Stephanie Wisner: Co-founder and Director of Business Operations. Experience with over 15 scientific startups in commercialization strategy and capital raising.

• David Tsao: Co-founder and Director of Translational Pharmacology. 16 years of industry experience in translational pharmacology for antibody therapeutics.

Leadership Changes

As of the latest available information, there have been no recent significant changes or appointments within Centivax's leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global vaccine market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing prevalence of infectious diseases and the demand for effective immunization solutions. The development of universal vaccines represents a transformative approach to addressing rapidly mutating pathogens.

Competitor Analysis

Centivax's competitors include:

• Chrysalis BioTherapeutics: Develops regenerative drugs targeting various health conditions.

• Biohaven Pharmaceutical: Focuses on neuroscience compounds targeting the glutamatergic system.

• Bio Farma: A manufacturer of vaccines with a broad portfolio.

• Serum Institute of India: A biotechnology company specializing in vaccine production.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Centivax has established several strategic partnerships to advance its mission:

• BioCina Pty Ltd.: Engaged for cell line development, cell banking, and plasmid DNA manufacturing to support the production of Cent-Flu.

• U.S. Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC): Collaborated for Phase I clinical development of Centi-B9, a broad-spectrum injectable antibody therapeutic for COVID-19.

• Funding Partners: Supported by organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Department of Defense.

Operational Insights

Centivax's competitive advantages include:

• Proprietary Technology: Advanced computational immunoengineering platforms enabling the design of broad-spectrum vaccines and therapeutics.

• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with leading research institutions and funding organizations to accelerate development timelines.

• Innovative Delivery Methods: Development of high-concentration antibody formulations suitable for non-hospital settings.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Centivax's strategic roadmap includes:

• Advancing Clinical Trials: Initiating human clinical trials for Cent-Flu in 2025.

• Expanding Vaccine Portfolio: Developing universal vaccines for other infectious diseases, including COVID-19 and HIV.

• Enhancing Manufacturing Capabilities: Strengthening partnerships with CDMOs to scale production and ensure global accessibility.

Contact Information

• Website: centivax.com

• Twitter: @centivax

• YouTube: Centivax Channel