Centessa Pharmaceuticals Announces CEO Transition as Company Advances Strategy to Extend Orexin Leadership into Multiple Neuroscience Indications

Core Viewpoint - Centessa Pharmaceuticals is undergoing a leadership transition, appointing Dr. Mario Alberto Accardi as CEO effective January 1, 2026, to focus on advancing its orexin portfolio, which is central to the company's strategic evolution [1][2]. Leadership Transition - Dr. Accardi, previously President of Centessa's Orexin Program, will succeed Dr. Saurabh Saha, who will become an advisor to the CEO [1][2]. - The Board of Directors emphasizes the need for specialized leadership to unlock the company's potential in the orexin therapeutic area [2]. Strategic Focus - Centessa is shifting from a diversified early-stage pipeline to a concentrated focus on orexin therapeutics, particularly OX2R agonists, which are seen as promising for various neurological disorders [2]. - The company has a robust pipeline of potential best-in-class OX2R agonists targeting conditions such as narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia, with significant milestones planned for 2026 [2][3]. Pipeline Development - ORX750, the most advanced OX2R agonist, is expected to initiate a registrational program in Q1 2026, demonstrating a potential best-in-class profile for narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia [2]. - Additional OX2R agonists, ORX142 and ORX489, are being developed for neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric indications, with key milestones anticipated in 2026 [2][3]. Company Background - Centessa Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing transformative medicines, particularly in the area of orexin therapeutics [5]. - The orexin receptor 2 (OX2R) agonist program aims to address excessive daytime sleepiness and cognitive deficits associated with various neurological disorders [3][5].