Our story
CellCentric is an innovative UK based biotechnology company with offices in Cambridge and Manchester. The company 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. From its origins, CellCentric built a network of research and evaluation relationships with over 25 leading academic research groups worldwide.
CellCentric investigated over 50 epigenetic targets and mechanisms before focusing on p300/CBP and developing a small molecule inhibitor (CCS1477 – inobrodib).
CellCentric was co-founded with one of the pioneers of epigenetic research, Prof Azim Surani FRS CBE of the Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge.
Prof Surani discovered and described an epigenetic code, beyond DNA, that could be inherited and instruct cell fate.
When epigenetic-related regulation goes awry, disease can result.
It quickly became clear that studying epigenetics could yield many unexplored targets for new drug discovery; histone deacetylases (HDACs), histone methyltransferases (HMTs) and beyond.
Best knowledge drives the identification of the best opportunities.
CellCentric built a network of research and evaluation relationships with over 25 leading academic research groups worldwide, to identify new opportunities for developing breakthrough treatments.
Through collaboration, multiple epigenetic-related targets were prioritised for drug discovery
CellCentric worked on multiple target validation and early medicinal chemistry programmes, including methyltransferases and deubiquitnases. An arginine methyltransferase programme was licensed to Takeda Pharmaceuticals.
Epigenetic-related proteins are key in regulating gene expression.
CellCentric’s research evolved to concentrate on twin acetyl transferase proteins p300 and CBP that act as transcription co-activation factors, which drive the expression of genes important in cancer progression.
First of its kind; novel small molecule inhibitor of p300/CBP.
CellCentric went on to develop a potent and specific small molecule p300/CBP inhibitor, inobrodib. It targets the conserved bromodomain of p300/CBP. Inobrodib is formulated as a capsule taken orally.
Inobrodib is now in Phase I/II clinical trials for multiple indications.
CellCentric is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of inobrodib in clinical trials, both as monotherapy and in combination with other agents. Studies are currently active across the UK, and mainland Europe. Regulatory approval has also been granted in the US.
