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Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc

London, England, United Kingdom · Biopharma, Biotechnology, Health Care

Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company that aims to discover and develop transformational medicines for patients.

Key facts

Headquarters
London, England, United Kingdom
Employees
75
Industries
Biopharma, Biotechnology, Health Care
Website
centessa.com
LinkedIn
Company page

Recent activity at Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc

  • : SEC 8-K (5.02): As of June 24, 2026, in connection with the Acquisition, several executive officers at Centessa Pharmaceuticals, including Mario Alberto Accardi, John Crowley, and Stephen Kanes, have departed from their roles. Additionally, key board members including Francesco De Rubertis and Arjun Goyal also ceased their duties. This reshuffle coincides with the termination of the Amended and Restated Sales Agreement with Leerink Partners LLC, which Centessa exercised its right to terminate, allowing them to redefine their strategy related to capital raising. The strategic implications pertain to a significant leadership change as well as the company’s direction following the acquisition.
  • : SEC 8-K (8.01):
  • : SEC 8-K (8.01): On May 21, 2026, the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act expired regarding the acquisition of Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc by Eli Lilly and Company, confirming progress towards closing the transaction. This acquisition, planned as a court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under the UK's Companies Act, involves Centessa's entire issued share capital and is part of a strategic move considered crucial by Lilly for expansion. The completion of the acquisition will depend on several customary closing conditions, including shareholder approval and court sanction, underscoring its complexity and significance in both companies' strategic planning.
  • : SEC 8-K (1.01): On March 31, 2026, Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc entered into a Transaction Agreement with Eli Lilly and Company and its subsidiary LDH XV Corporation. This agreement outlines the acquisition of Centessa's entire share capital through a court-sanctioned scheme under the UK Companies Act, whereby upon its effective time, Centessa will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Purchaser. Shareholders will receive $38.00 in cash per share, alongside contingent value rights for potential additional payments of up to $9.00 per share. The board of directors of all parties involved have recommended this transaction, reflecting significant strategic implications for the involved corporations and their stakeholders.
  • : SEC 8-K (5.02): On February 9, 2026, Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc entered into an Advisory Agreement and a Separation Agreement with Saurabh Saha, M.D., Ph.D., who stepped down as Chief Executive Officer and Board member effective January 1, 2026. The Advisory Agreement involves Dr. Saha providing advisory services for an hourly fee of $376.00 for an initial six-month period, with automatic continuation unless terminated. The Separation Agreement provides for the vesting of certain equity grants and includes a potential bonus payment equal to 100% of Dr. Saha’s target bonus for the year ended December 31, 2025, among other benefits, becoming effective after a seven-business-day revocation period. This restructuring reflects strategic shifts within the company following Dr. Saha's departure.
  • : Centessa Pharmaceuticals Appoints Mario Alberto Accardi as CEO
  • : SEC 8-K (5.02): On December 11, 2025, Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc appointed Dr. Mario Alberto Accardi as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026. Dr. Accardi succeeds Saurabh Saha, who will transition to an advisory role. In connection with this appointment, Dr. Accardi's base salary will be $600,000 and he will be eligible for a target annual bonus of 50% of his salary, along with equity awards valued at $6 million, the majority being in stock options. This strategic leadership change is aimed at focusing on the Company's orexin pipeline, which has become central to its operations. Dr. Accardi brings extensive experience in biotechnology and venture capital, previously leading Orexia Therapeutics before its acquisition by Centessa.
  • : SEC 8-K (8.01): On November 24, 2025, Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc amended and restated its Sales Agreement with Leerink Partners LLC. This agreement allows Centessa to issue and sell up to $250 million of its American Depositary Shares through Leerink in 'at the market offerings.' The Company is not obligated to sell any shares under this arrangement and will pay Leerink a commission of up to 3.0% on gross proceeds. The proceeds from any sales are intended for working capital and general corporate purposes. The Sales Agreement enables flexibility for the timing and size of any share sales based on the Company's discretion.
  • : SEC 8-K (1.01): On November 11, 2025, Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc entered into a Material Definitive Agreement by signing an underwriting agreement with Jefferies LLC and Leerink Partners LLC. The Company agreed to issue and sell 11,627,907 American Depositary Shares (ADSs) at a price of $21.50 per ADS, with an estimated total net proceeds of approximately $234.4 million. The agreement includes a 30-day option for underwriters to purchase an additional 1,744,186 ADSs. The Offering is expected to close on November 14, 2025, pending customary closing conditions, and is meant to fund the continued development of the Company's product candidates and general corporate purposes. The Underwriting Agreement also includes standard representations, warranties, and indemnification obligations under the Securities Act of 1933.
  • : SEC 8-K (1.01): On November 11, 2025, Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc entered into an Underwriting Agreement with Jefferies LLC and Leerink Partners LLC. The agreement involves the issuance and sale of 11,627,907 American Depositary Shares (ADSs), with each ADS representing one ordinary share of the company. This capital raise through the Underwriting Agreement indicates a strategic move to enhance the company's financial position, although specific financial amounts and terms of the offering were not detailed in this filing. The involvement of established underwriters suggests a credible approach to attracting investors and could positively impact the company's market perception.

Leadership

  • Mario Alberto Accardi, Chief Executive Officer
  • Stephen Kanes, Chief Medical Officer

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Employee benefit plans

Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc files 1 employee benefit plan with the U.S. Department of Labor, including a retirement plan. The next plan year renews in Dec 2026.

Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc in the news

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About Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc: questions and answers

What does Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc do?

Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company that aims to discover and develop transformational medicines for patients.

Where is Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc headquartered?

Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc is headquartered in London, England, United Kingdom.

How many employees does Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc have?

Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc has about 75 employees.

Who leads Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc?

Mario Alberto Accardi is a Chief Executive Officer at Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc.

What is the latest news on Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc?

On Jun 24, 2026, SEC 8-K (5.02): As of June 24, 2026, in connection with the Acquisition, several executive officers at Centessa Pharmaceuticals, including Mario Alberto Accardi, John Crowley, and Stephen Kanes, have departed from their roles. Additionally, key board members including Francesco De Rubertis and Arjun

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