Led · Grant · Sep 2020

Cincera Therapeutics is developing small-molecule Des-1 inhibitors designed to shift the balance between toxic and beneficial ceramide lipids (increasing dhCeramide) to produce anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. Its lead program targets severe obesity-related conditions including NASH and aims to reduce organ fibrosis and inflammation. The company says inhibiting Des-1 has shown beneficial effects across models of liver, kidney, heart, lung and skin disease. Cincera plans further preclinical testing of its compounds in various disease models and intends to progress toward clinical testing of a once-daily, orally administered drug candidate. Founded in 2018 as a spinout from Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Centre for Cancer Biology, Cincera operates in Adelaide and Melbourne. Financially, the company received a $1 million grant from the Biomedical Translation Bridge Program and previously secured a $7 million venture investment from the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF). Cincera Therapeutics was launched to develop new therapies targeting conditions linked to unhealthy Western diets, with an initial focus on NASH. The company is developing drug‑like lead compounds that modulate enzymatic targets to reduce the abundance of specific ‘toxic’ fats and thereby address inflammation and fibrosis. Founding scientists include Associate Professor Bernard Flynn (CEO) and Professor Stuart Pitson (CSO), and the company is harnessing research from the Centre for Cancer Biology (University of South Australia/SA Pathology) and Monash University’s Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Cincera’s programs emphasize potent, broad‑acting anti‑inflammatory and anti‑fibrotic agents that may address liver and kidney dysfunction and potentially certain cancers. The company launched with an AU$7 million venture capital commitment and plans to use the funds to demonstrate efficacy in disease models and optimize compounds. Management expects to select drug candidates suitable for clinical trials in three to four years.