Cerata Pharma

Cerata Pharma is a biotechnology company focused on the development of therapies targeting sphingolipid metabolism, particularly the enzyme acid ceramidase. Founded on research from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, the company developed a recombinant human acid ceramidase (rhAC) for the treatment of Farber disease, a rare lysosomal storage disorder. This lead program was subsequently licensed to Plexcera and later to Enzyvant Therapeutics, where it has advanced into clinical trials. Beyond enzyme replacement, Cerata's research includes the development of small molecule acid ceramidase inhibitors as potential treatments for various cancers, including prostate cancer and acute myeloid leukemia. By regulating ceramide levels, the company aims to address conditions characterized by either enzyme deficiency or pathological overexpression.