Cessation Therapeutics

Pre-clinical

San Jose, United StatesFounded 2021cessationtherapeutics.com

Cessation Therapeutics is a private biotech focused on combating the fentanyl overdose epidemic with a first-in-class monoclonal antibody. Their mission is to provide durable protection against fentanyl and its analogs, potentially saving thousands of lives annually. The company has established research labs in San Diego and a corporate office in San Jose, advancing its lead candidate through preclinical and clinical development. With support from notable government and military figures, Cessation aims to deliver a critical public health solution to a national crisis.

Founded

2021

Focus

AntibodiesBiologics

AI Company Overview

Technology Platform

Proprietary monoclonal antibody platform engineered to bind with high affinity to fentanyl and its analogs in the bloodstream, preventing the drug from crossing the blood-brain barrier and causing overdose.

Funding History

Total raised: $15M

Seed$15MUndisclosedAug 15, 2022

Opportunities

The massive and growing fentanyl overdose epidemic creates an urgent, unmet medical need.

Opportunities include securing Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA, forming partnerships with government agencies (NIH, DoD) and large pharma for development/commercialization, and expanding the antibody platform to address other synthetic opioids.

The therapy could be deployed in high-risk settings like addiction treatment centers and by first responders.

Risk Factors

Key risks include clinical trial failure, regulatory challenges for a novel preventive biologic, potential high cost limiting access, and the evolving nature of the illicit drug supply which may produce novel opioids that evade the antibody.

Competition from next-generation naloxone or active vaccines also poses a threat.

Competitive Landscape

Primary competition includes naloxone (Narcan) for emergency reversal and several early-stage fentanyl vaccine programs. Cessation differentiates with a monoclonal antibody approach designed for pre-emptive, durable protection, potentially offering a more reliable and immediate defense compared to vaccines which require time to build immunity.