Certa Therapeutics Pty Ltd.

Strengthened Pipeline Targets Multiple Fibrotic DiseasesMELBOURNE, Australia, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Certa Therapeutics (Certa), a biotechnology company developing innovative precision therapies for patients with fibrotic diseases, today announces the acquisition of OccuRx, a Melbourne-based biotechnology company with highly complementary assets, resources and expertise, and a shared focus on targeting GPR68, a master switch of fibrosis. The acquisition combines the assets and capabilities of two companies founded by a leader in the GPR68 field, Professor Darren Kelly, consolidating a pipeline that now includes two Phase 2 and one Phase 1 clinical candidates. Building on Professor Kelly’s pioneering research into inhibitors of GPR68 and benefiting from years of further development within biotechnology and major pharma companies, Certa’s pipeline aims to tackle fibrotic diseases upstream of other targeted biological pathways. Certa’s lead programme is asengeprast (FT011) a novel, first-in-class oral therapy for the treatment of chronic fibrosis in multiple organs, which has shown favourable efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics in patients with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma or SSc). Post the acquisition, Certa’s pipeline will include the additional asset OCX063 from OccuRx which has successfully completed a Phase 1 clinical trial and is in development for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a rare disease characterized by fibrosis developing in the kidney glomerulus. In addition, Certa also has CTA382, a second-generation compound with the same chemical backbone as Asengeprast, that is under development to treat chronic kidney disease and a third-generation series of pre-clinical GPR68 antagonists, based on a different chemical backbone. Assets from this series are being developed for other fibrotic conditions and wider therapeutic indications. Professor Darren Kelly, Certa Therapeutics’ CEO and founder, said, “Fibrotic diseases are an area of significant unmet need, responsible for an estimated 45% of all deaths globally and representing a $15 billion market. We believe GPR68 is a critical ‘master switch’ of fibrosis and through this acquisition we have brought together a unique pipeline and a passionate, experienced team which is uniquely equipped to drive its development. We look forward to rapidly advancing our programs and, ultimately, developing new safe, effective precision therapies for patients.” Asengeprast has its genesis in Fibrotech, which was sold to Shire in 2014. When Shire was then acquired by Takeda in 2018, Brandon Capital Partners and Uniseed had an opportunity to reinvest in the asengeprast clinical program by forming Certa Therapeutics, and to develop GPR68-targeting ophthalmology assets by forming OccuRx. The two companies have raised $30m (AU$44.5m) over the past six years to advance these assets. Certa will now seek to raise a series B to continue the clinical development of its pipeline and expand its operations. Dr Chris Nave, chair of Certa Therapeutics and Managing Partner of lead investor Brandon Capital, said, "Bringing together the assets and expertise of Certa Therapeutics and OccuRx under one company creates a powerful platform to advance transformative therapies for fibrotic diseases. This consolidation reinforces Certa’s leadership in the GPR68 field and its commitment to developing innovative treatments with a promising clinical-stage pipeline of GPR68 antagonists.” For further information please contact Media – AustraliaKirrily Davis, E: kdavis@bcpvc.com M: +61 (0)401 220228 Media - InternationalSue Charles, Charles Consultants E: sue.charles@charles-consultants.com M: +44 (0)7968 726585 About Certa TherapeuticsCerta Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering innovative precision therapies for the treatment of fibrotic diseases—an area of significant unmet need, responsible for an estimated 45% of all deaths globally and representing a $15 billion market. Certa’s platform targets a critical 'master switch' of fibrosis, GPR68 (a defined G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)), with a pipeline of inhibitors for various fibrotic indications. Asengeprast (FT011), the company’s lead program, is being developed as a novel, first-in-class oral therapy for systemic sclerosis (scleroderma, SSc) and has successfully completed a multi-national, phase II clinical trial. Scleroderma is a potentially-life threatening autoimmune disorder with the highest mortality rate among rheumatic diseases. The FDA has granted asengeprast (FT011) Orphan Drug Designation and Fast Track status for SSc. Certa's pipeline includes further programs targeting major indications such as chronic kidney disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, diabetic nephropathy, and other chronic fibrotic conditions. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Certa is supported by venture investors Brandon Capital and Uniseed. More information at https://certatherapeutics.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/certa-therapeutics/

MELBOURNE, Australia, Sept. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Certa Therapeutics (Certa), a biotechnology company developing innovative precision therapies for patients with fibrotic diseases, today announces that its lead candidate FT011 has been granted the International Non-Proprietary Name (INN) of ‘asengeprast’ by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Commonly known as a generic name, an INN is a globally recognised, unique name for a pharmaceutical substance or active ingredient. Certa has pioneered drug development targeting GPR68, an important but previously undrugged membrane GPCR receptor, showing it to be a master switch of fibrosis. Asengeprast is a novel, first-in-class oral GPR68 antagonist being developed for the treatment of chronic fibrosis in multiple organs. An extensive body of data demonstrates promising efficacy in multiple in vitro and in vivo models of inflammatory and fibrotic disease. Phase I and IIa clinical studies in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) have already demonstrated favourable efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics. SSc is a chronic, progressive, and potentially life-threatening autoimmune disease characterised by inflammation and fibrosis (scar tissue formation) in the skin and in various internal organs - commonly lungs, kidneys and heart. Skin fibrosis is the distinguishing feature of SSc and is associated with significantly reduced function and disability in patients. Currently, there are no treatments on the market that effectively stop or reverse scarring in the skin and organs. Professor Darren Kelly Certa Therapeutics CEO and founder said, “The granting of an INN for our lead drug candidate asengeprast is another important step in its development of this important therapy and follows the granting of EU and US Orphan Drug status and an FDA Fast Track Designation. We are continuing to drive the clinical development of asengeprast and believe it has the potential to address a critical need for people living with SSC, a debilitating condition with the highest mortality amongst rheumatic diseases.” Certa is planning for a Phase IIb confirmatory SSc clinical trial with asengeprast, bringing the company closer to providing better treatment options for patients with fibrosis. It is also developing biomarkers and gene signatures to identify patients most likely to respond to treatment to ensure the best outcomes for those with fibrosis. Certa has a portfolio of GPR68 inhibitors designed to target other organs being developed for the treatment of a number of fibrosis driven kidney diseases. For further information please contact Media – AustraliaKirrily Davis, E: kdavis@bcpvc.com M: +61 (0)401 220228 Media - InternationalSue Charles, Charles Consultants E: sue.charles@charles-consultants.com M: +44 (0)7968 726585 About Certa Therapeutics Certa Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on improving lives by treating patients with debilitating diseases via novel targeted therapies. Certa Therapeutics has designed a platform of candidate drugs and validated the role of GPR68, a defined G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) receptor which mediates signalling pathways associated with inflammation and fibrosis. GPR68 is silent in healthy tissue but activated following injury or disease. Evidence demonstrates the role of GPR68 on multiple downstream pathways causing inflammation and fibrosis. These targeted drug candidates have established proof of concept as potential treatments for multiple fibrotic diseases including serious and chronic conditions impacting the kidney, lung, eye, skin, and heart. The morbidity and mortality impact of fibrotic diseases is substantial, ultimately causing 45% of all deaths globally. Significant breakthroughs are urgently needed in this field, addressing a market worth more than US$15B annually. The company is seeking to combine its innovative therapeutics with biomarkers and genetic analysis to identify those patients most likely to benefit from treatment, providing potential for a precision therapy. Asengeprast (FT011) is an investigational product which has not received marketing authorisation or approval by any regulatory agency, including the US Food and Drug Administration, the European Medicines Agency, or the Australian Therapeutic Goods Agency. The investigational drug products being developed by Certa Therapeutics are undergoing clinical studies to evaluate the safety and effectiveness in humans. In the company’s lead program, asengeprast is being developed as a novel, first-in-class oral therapy for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) and has successfully completed a multi-national, double-blinded randomised controlled trial. In addition to being granted EMA Orphan Drug Designation, asengeprast has been awarded Orphan Drug Designation and Fast Track Designation from the FDA. https://certatherapeutics.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/certa-therapeutics/

July 22, 2024 -- Certa Therapeutics (Certa), a biotechnology company developing innovative precision therapies for patients with inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, today announces that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) for its lead drug candidate, FT011, as a potential treatment of Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). Certa has previously also received ODD and Fast Track designation for FT011 as a potential treatment of SSc from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FT011 is a novel, first-in-class oral therapy for the treatment of chronic fibrosis in multiple organs. It targets an important but previously undrugged membrane GPCR receptor, GPR68, a master switch of fibrosis. An extensive body of data demonstrates promising efficacy in multiple in vitro and in vivo models of inflammatory and fibrotic disease. Phase I and IIa clinical studies in patients with SSc have also demonstrated favourable efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics. SSc is a chronic, progressive, autoimmune disease characterised by inflammation and fibrosis (scar tissue formation) in the skin and in various internal organs - commonly lungs, kidneys and heart. Skin fibrosis is the distinguishing feature of SSc and is associated with significantly reduced function and disability in patients. Currently, there are no treatments on the market that effectively stop or reverse scarring in the skin and organs. Professor Darren Kelly Certa Therapeutics CEO and founder said, “GPR68 inhibition modulates the biological pathways causing inflammation and fibrosis to the skin in patients with SSc. With limited treatment options available for patients with SSc, the EMA Orphan Drug Designation and FDA Orphan Drug and Fast Track Designations reflect the potential for FT011 to address a critical need for people living with this debilitating and life-threatening condition. “These are significant validations for the company and highlight the unmet need for novel medicines to reduce inflammation and scarring in chronic fibrotic diseases, which are often progressive and can have a poor prognosis.” Certa is planning for a Phase IIb confirmatory SSc clinical trial with FT011, bringing the company closer to providing better treatment options for patients with fibrosis. It is also developing biomarkers and gene signatures to identify patients most likely to respond to treatment to ensure the best outcomes for those with fibrosis. The FDA and EMA grant orphan status to products intended to treat, diagnose, or prevent life-threatening rare diseases or conditions that affect fewer than five in 10,000 people in Europe, or under 200,000 people in the US, and with either no currently approved method of diagnosis, prevention, or treatment, or with significant benefit to those affected by the disease. Orphan drug designation provides certain benefits, including the potential for extensive marketing exclusivity following regulatory approval, reduction in regulatory fees and, in the case of EU, a centralised approval process. Scleroderma is an extremely debilitating, potentially life-threatening autoimmune condition characterised by inflammation and fibrosis of the skin and other organs (commonly the lungs, kidneys, and heart). This condition results in high morbidity with substantial detriment on quality of life, with patients commonly experiencing loss of mobility and function, pain, fatigue, often accompanied with a significant impact to their mental health. Scleroderma has the highest mortality among rheumatic diseases. Certa Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on improving lives by treating patients with debilitating diseases via novel targeted therapies. Certa Therapeutics has designed a platform of candidate drugs and validated the role of GPR68, a defined G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) receptor which mediates signalling pathways associated with inflammation and fibrosis. GPR68 is silent in healthy tissue but activated following injury or disease. Evidence demonstrates the role of GPR68 on multiple downstream pathways causing inflammation and fibrosis. These targeted drug candidates have established proof of concept as potential treatments for multiple fibrotic diseases including serious and chronic conditions impacting the kidney, lung, eye, skin, and heart. The morbidity and mortality impact of fibrotic diseases is substantial, ultimately causing 45% of all deaths globally. Significant breakthroughs are urgently needed in this field, addressing a market worth more than US$15B annually. The company is seeking to combine its innovative therapeutics with biomarkers and genetic analysis to identify those patients most likely to benefit from treatment, providing potential for a precision therapy. FT011 is an investigational product which has not received marketing authorisation or approval by any regulatory agency, including the US Food and Drug Administration, the European Medicines Agency, or the Australian Therapeutic Goods Agency. The investigational drug products being developed by Certa Therapeutics are undergoing clinical studies to evaluate the safety and effectiveness in humans. In the company’s lead program, FT011 is being developed as a novel, first-in-class oral therapy for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) and has successfully completed a multi-national, double-blinded randomised controlled trial. In addition to being granted EMA Orphan Drug Designation, FT011 has been awarded Orphan Drug Designation and Fast Track Designation from the FDA. 内容来源于网络，如有侵权，请联系删除。