CounterX Therapeutics develops biologic therapies that bind fentanyl and related opioids in the bloodstream, preventing them from reaching the brain and causing fatal overdose. Using its CounterXCL™ platform, the company creates monoclonal antibodies like CTRX‑101 and vaccine candidates that provide rapid overdose reversal and long‑term protection for high‑risk patients.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Opioid overdose, particularly from fentanyl, causes rapid death by crossing the blood‑brain barrier and activating µ‑opioid receptors, leading to respiratory failure. Current treatments are limited and do not prevent the drug from reaching the brain, leaving high‑risk individuals vulnerable to fatal events.
Solution
CounterX Therapeutics leverages its proprietary CounterXCL™ platform, which combines immunology, bioengineering, chemistry, and artificial intelligence, to create monoclonal antibodies and vaccine candidates that bind opioids in the bloodstream. By sequestering fentanyl and related opioids before they can enter the central nervous system, these biologics blunt the life‑threatening effects of overdose and reduce the euphoric impact that drives continued use. The lead candidate, CTRX‑101, is an anti‑fentanyl antibody designed to prevent accidental overdose in high‑risk patients and to serve as a therapeutic adjunct for opioid use disorder. In parallel, vaccine approaches aim to induce long‑lasting antibodies that block opioid activity, supporting sustained recovery and relapse prevention.
Target Audience
Primary customers are pharmaceutical companies, biotech partners, and healthcare providers seeking advanced biologic therapies for opioid overdose prevention and addiction treatment.
Features
- Monoclonal antibody (CTRX‑101) that binds fentanyl with high affinity, preventing brain distribution
- AI‑guided antibody discovery pipeline accelerating candidate optimization and specificity
- Integrated vaccine platform that elicits endogenous anti‑opioid antibodies for long‑term protection
- Preclinical data demonstrating reversal of fentanyl‑induced overdose and safety in animal models
- Scalable biologics manufacturing process compatible with standard monoclonal antibody production facilities