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Centessa Pharmaceuticals

Clinical-stage pharma with asset-centric model

Overview

Centessa Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company built from ten autonomous subsidiaries that share centralized infrastructure under an asset-centric hub-and-spoke model. Its lead programs include ORX750, an oral orexin receptor 2 (OX2R) agonist for sleep-wake disorders, and an early-stage immuno-oncology effort based on the LockBody antibody platform. ORX750 aims to improve daytime wakefulness and cognitive function by activating the orexin pathway; LockBody uses engineered antibodies to target cancer more effectively. The company funds development through equity, debt, and partnerships and seeks regulatory approval and commercialization of its sleep-disorder asset while expanding its oncology portfolio.

Significant Headcount Growth

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About Centessa Pharmaceuticals

Simplify's Rating
Why Centessa Pharmaceuticals is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

BiotechnologyHealthcare

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Boston, MA

Founded

2021

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What believers are saying

  • Lilly's Q2 2026 filing confirmed Centessa integration costs, preserving funding and scale.
  • Orexin drugs target a multibillion-dollar sleep market with Takeda's ovporexton validation.
  • Centessa's 2025 Phase 1 data beat placebo by 22.6 minutes on sleep latency.

What critics are saying

  • Takeda's ovporexton and Alkermes' alixorexton are ahead, compressing Centessa's approval window.
  • Lilly integration will eliminate Centessa's independent management, R&D autonomy, and hiring brand.
  • If cleminorexton misses FDA approval, Lilly can deprioritize orexin assets and bury the platform.

What makes Centessa Pharmaceuticals unique

  • Lilly completed Centessa acquisition on November 4, 2026, validating cleminorexton's orexin biology.
  • Cleminorexton spans narcolepsy type 1, type 2, and idiopathic hypersomnia with one oral mechanism.
  • Nxera milestone payments showed Centessa's orexin portfolio still generated external validation in 2026.

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Funding

Total Funding

$1.5B

Above

Industry Average

Funded Over

7 Rounds

Acquisition funding comparison data is currently unavailable. We're working to provide this information soon!
Acquisition Funding Comparison Coming Soon

Benefits

  • Remote Work Options
  • Flexible Work Hours
  • Wellness Program
  • Mental Health Support
  • Stock Options
  • Company Equity
  • Conference Attendance Budget
  • Professional Development Budget
  • Telework isn't listed but Remote Work Options covers it
  • Phone/Internet Stipend
  • Home Office Stipend

Stock Price

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

6%

1 year growth

4%

2 year growth

8%
DirectEmployers Association
Oct 18th, 2026
Senior Advisor, Clinical Pharmacology.

Senior Advisor, Clinical Pharmacology. Boston, MA At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life-changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve. This is hard, urgent, selfless work - but it's work worth doing. If you're driven by purpose and ready to bring your best to work that truly matters for patients, we invite you to join us. Centessa Pharmaceuticals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, is a clinical-stage company developing orexin receptor 2 (OX2R) agonists as a new class of medicines for the treatment of narcolepsy and potentially other sleep-wake disorders. Centessa's lead investigational candidate - cleminorexton (formerly ORX750) - is being developed for narcolepsy type 1, narcolepsy type 2, and idiopathic hypersomnia. Centessa's OX2R agonist portfolio includes additional clinical and preclinical-stage assets with potential utility across a broader range of neurological, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric conditions. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Centessa was recognized as a Great Place to Work(R) in 2026. Centessa is seeking a a Senior Advisor, Clinical Pharmacology (equivalent to Associate Director) to bring strong technical depth in PK/PD and pharmacometrics to our clinical-stage development. Reporting to the Executive Director, Clinical Pharmacology, you will be a hands-on scientist who builds, evaluates, and explains quantitative models, translates nonclinical and biomarker data into clinical decisions, and takes growing ownership of clinical pharmacology deliverables within project teams. Responsibilities * Provide clinical pharmacology and PK/PD input to project teams, contributing to decisions on dose, patient population, and study design * Conduct and interpret noncompartmental and population PK analyses, including structural model development, covariate evaluation, and model diagnostics, for Phase 1-2 studies (FIH, SAD/MAD, DDI, food effect, organ impairment, patient studies) * Build and apply exposure-response and PK/PD analyses and PBPK models to support dose selection and drug-drug interaction risk assessment * Integrate nonclinical PK/PD, in vitro ADME (CYP phenotyping, inhibition and induction, transporter data), and biomarker data to support human PK and dose projections, interspecies scaling, and first-in-human rationale * Draft PK/PD sections of clinical development plans, protocols, analysis plans, investigator brochures, study reports, and regulatory documents (IND, CTA, NDA/MAA) * Collaborate closely with experts across DMPK, translational sciences, clinical development, bioanalysis, biostatistics, regulatory affairs, and project leadership * Provide day-to-day scientific oversight of CRO and vendor deliverables and take part in peer review of analyses and reports * Present findings to internal stakeholders and contribute to external scientific publications and presentations Basic Requirements * PhD or PharmD in Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacometrics, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline, or a graduate degree in these areas with a strong demonstrated work history. * 3+ years of industry experience in clinical pharmacology or pharmacometrics within biotech, pharmaceutical, or drug development environments (relevant postdoctoral experience considered) * Solid working knowledge of PK/PD theory, ADME, DDI mechanisms including in vitro-to-clinical translation, and MIDD principles * Hands-on proficiency with NONMEM, Phoenix WinNonlin/NLME, Monolix, R, or similar software * Ability to choose an appropriate analysis, troubleshoot model problems, and clearly explain a model's assumptions and limitations * Working knowledge of FDA, EMA, and ICH guidance relevant to clinical pharmacology (e.g., ICH M12 on drug interaction studies, ICH M15 on MIDD) * Interest in translational medicine, including target engagement, biomarkers, and nonclinical-to-clinical translation * Ability to work effectively in cross-functional, matrixed environments * Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills Additional Preferences * Exposure to PBPK platforms (e.g., Simcyp, GastroPlus, PK-Sim) or QSP modeling is a plus * Intrinsically curious and deeply passionate about the work we do. * Embrace ambiguity and push for new practices and technologies. * Adaptive problem solver - turn issues into opportunities and translates ideas into solutions, even when the path isn't clear. * Leverage technical depth and a growth mindset to make impact; imagine what's possible and pursue it with intention and energy. * Demonstrate curiosity and drive self-identified innovation, especially in the exploration of artificial intelligence and digital. Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response. Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN) and Women's Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL). Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $153,000 - $268,400 Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly's compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees. #WeAreLilly

Associated Press
Sep 3rd, 2026
Nxera Pharma secures $8.6M milestone payment from Centessa following late-stage development progress

Nxera Pharma will receive an $8.6 million milestone payment from Centessa Pharmaceuticals following late-stage development progress on Centessa's selective orexin receptor 2 agonist portfolio. The payment stems from Nxera's research collaboration with Centessa and will be recognised as revenue in Q3 2026. Centessa, now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly following Lilly's acquisition completed in June 2026, achieved the development milestone with its clinical-stage molecules designed to treat diseases associated with sleep-wake regulation and neurological disorders. Nxera retains rights to future development and commercialisation milestones, as well as royalties, related to the programmes. Christopher Cargill, president and CEO of Nxera Pharma, said the portfolio has great potential to address major unmet needs across a broad range of disorders.

American Academy of Sleep Medicine
Jul 19th, 2026
Talking sleep | live from SLEEP 2026.

Talking sleep | live from SLEEP 2026. Season 8 | episode 12. In this special live episode recorded from the SLEEP 2026 annual meeting in Baltimore, host Dr. Seema Khosla welcomes Dr. Sanjay Patel, director of the clinical sleep program at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, to discuss groundbreaking medications for sleep disorders poised for FDA approval in 2026 and 2027. The pharmaceutical landscape for sleep medicine is undergoing unprecedented transformation. Dr. Patel surveys the emerging drug pipeline that will fundamentally change how clinicians treat obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and idiopathic hypersomnia. For obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. Patel discusses AD-109 (atomoxetine and R-oxybutynin), explaining the mechanistic rationale and practical considerations including use with tirzepatide. The Incannex drug combining dronabinol and acetazolamide receives analysis for different patient populations, and sultiame is discussed as a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor option. A critical framework emerges: Should treatment be symptom-based or airway-focused when PAP-intolerant patients present? Tirzepatide, the GLP-1 agonist FDA-approved for moderate-to-severe OSA, receives comprehensive coverage including muscle loss concerns, long-term use, and emerging oral GLP-1 options. Retatrutide, the triple-hormone agent combining GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon, is also discussed. The episode's most exciting segment focuses on orexin agonists for narcolepsy. Three pharmaceutical companies - Alkemeres, Centessa (purchased by Lilly), and Takeda - are developing these mechanistically novel agents. Dr. Patel clarifies how these medications differ, discusses why one medication disrupted nocturnal sleep (suggesting continued roles for oxybates), and addresses how clinicians will choose between similar medications. Dr. Patel emphasizes a fundamental question: Should the field prioritize symptom management versus airway patency for OSA, and mechanistic approaches versus symptom management for narcolepsy? Whether you're interested in emerging OSA treatments, narcolepsy innovations, or the future of pharmacological sleep medicine, this live episode provides essential updates on medications that will soon reshape clinical practice. Join American Academy of Sleep Medicine for this exciting conversation about how sleep medicine will transform in the coming years. Dr. Sanjay R. Patel, an expert in sleep health, is certified in pulmonary disease and sleep medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Patel is a professor of medicine and epidemiology at University of Pittsburgh, and medical director of UPMC Comprehensive Sleep Disorders program. He earned a master's degree in epidemiology from the Harvard School of Public Health and a medical degree from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He completed a residency at the University of Pennsylvania Health System and a fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Patel's research focuses on the health implications of poor sleep with particular interest on the relationships between sleep and cardiometabolic disease. He directs the Center for Sleep and Cardiovascular Outcomes Research at the University of Pittsburgh. He has published extensively on the subject of obesity management and glucose metabolism with sleep apnea, as well as the association between curtailed sleep and long-term health effects.

PR Newswire
Jun 24th, 2026
Lilly completes acquisition of Centessa Pharmaceuticals to advance treatments for sleep-wake disorders

/PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) today announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc. Centessa is a...

Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News
Apr 10th, 2026
Drugs from a text prompt, Wegovy pill competition dampens Lilly's surge.

Drugs from a text prompt, Wegovy pill competition dampens Lilly's surge. April 10, 2026 From designing drugs with a simple text prompt to running experiments guided by extended reality, a new wave of agentic AI is transforming the modern lab. Its editors discuss the latest autonomous systems accelerating biological discovery. In business deals, Gilead Sciences has acquired Tubulis in a transaction worth up to $5 billion, strengthening the buyer's position in antibody-drug conjugates for cancer. Correspondingly, Eli Lilly and Biogen are each making billion-dollar-plus bets, acquiring Centessa, a sleep disorder drug developer, and Apellis, known for its work in immunology and rare diseases. Its episode rounds out by unpacking the dynamic obesity drug market, where intensifying competition from Novo Nordisk's Wegovy pill is prompting Lilly to temper the 2026 sales outlook for its oral obesity drug, Foundayo. Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:

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