Vision
Some people are born with a different blueprint
In the 1990s, a team of Italian researchers began systematically studying centenarians — people who reach 100 in exceptional health. They weren’t just old. Their arteries were cleaner. Their vessels more elastic. Their immune systems more balanced. The question was why.
Genome-wide analysis across thousands of subjects revealed an answer: a rare variant of the BPIFB4 gene, the Longevity-Associated Variant, or LAV, enriched only in the longest-lived individuals. People carrying LAV-BPIFB4 show measurably healthier cardiovascular systems well into their tenth decade. Fewer blockages. Thinner arterial walls. Preserved vascular function.
This was not a statistical curiosity. It was a target. CENTENA was built to take that target into the clinic.
The Discovery
How all begun
Prof. Annibale Puca and collaborators identify LAV-BPIFB4 through genome-wide screening of Italian centenarian cohorts. The variant correlates with reduced carotid stenosis, preserved endothelial function, and extended healthspan.
Preclinical Validation
The platform was designed
Multiple disease models confirm that systemic delivery of the longevity variant — not the wild-type gene, rescues vascular function, prevents capillary rarefaction, and reverses endothelial dysfunction in diabetic mice. The wild-type gene shows zero benefit.
CENTENA is Founded
the future is here
IP consolidated into a new clinical-stage vehicle. IND-enabling studies underway. Initial indication: Diabetic Critical Limb Ischemia, a disease where current standard of care fails 73% of patients at five years.
Science
The Asset and the Platform
A single-dose gene therapy encoding a human longevity variant. Systemic delivery. Durable expression. Three independent mechanisms of vascular rescue.
Evolutionarily Validated
LAV-BPIFB4 was not designed in a lab. It was selected by evolution across centuries of human longevity. Carriers reach 100+ with lower rates of cardiovascular disease, preserved arterial structure, and reduced vascular inflammation.
AAV9 Delivery Platform
Recombinant AAV9 with liver-specific TBG promoter for systemic protein secretion. Current manufacturing yield: 4.65 × 10¹³ GC/mL at >90% full-genome purity. Established scale-up pathway from 2L to 200L GMP.
Gain-of-Function Imperative
The wild-type BPIFB4 gene exerts zero therapeutic benefit in disease models. The four-missense longevity variant is required for vascular rescue. This is not a gene replacement strategy — it is a longevity augmentation.
Multi-Modal Mechanism of Action
Unlike single-target therapeutics, LAV-BPIFB4 protein acts simultaneously across three independent pathways — reducing the probability of escape and broadening therapeutic reach.
Vascular Function
Phosphorylates eNOS at Ser1177, driving nitric oxide production and vasodilation. Directly reverses endothelial dysfunction in glucose-damaged vessels.
Immunomodulation
Shifts macrophage polarization from inflammatory M1 to resolving M2 phenotype. Reduces TNF-α and IL-1β. Platelets serve as natural protein reservoirs for sustained release.
Cellular Rejuvenation
Antinflammatory inotropic and chronotropic effects on cardiomyocytes by M1-M2 macrophage skewing through CXCR4 activation
why to invest in centena
The case for backing longevity biology now
Investment Thesis
Scalable Longevity
01
Unmatched IP Position
Consolidated IP around LAV-BPIFB4 and associated AAV9 delivery for cardiovascular and age-related indications. Co-developed with Multimedica IRCCS, an anchor institutional investor.
02
Proven Preclinical Efficacy
Endothelial relaxation completely restored. Capillary density significantly rescued (p<0.01). SDF-1 pathway upregulated systemically. Diastolic function stabilized and improved. No systemic or hematological toxicity observed.
03
Regulatory Tailwinds
FDA precedents for accelerated approval in cardiovascular space. Over 40 approved cell and gene therapies. CLI qualifies for Unmet Medical Need designation in Europe. Longevity investment gaining institutional traction.
04
Capital-Efficient Structure
Virtual biotech model. Milan-based R&D. Established CRO network. €10M seed round takes the program to IND clearance — a defined, de-risked milestone with a concrete timeline.
our core team
Research to Business Expertise
Annibale Puca MD
Chief Scientific Officer & Founder
Full Professor and research group leader with international experience. Key opinion leader in the longevity space. Discovered and characterized LAV-BPIFB4
Cesare Spadoni PhD MBA
Chief Executive Officer
Seasoned professional with 30 years of experience in drug discovery and development across scientific and business roles. Biotech founder experience
Davide Crobu MSc
Chief Operating Officer
Experienced Technology Transfer leader with extensive operational and research experience in the biologics drug development field
Scientific Advisors
Prof. Paolo Madeddu
Full professor of Cardiology,
University of Bristol, UK
Prof. Carmine Vecchione
Full Professor of Genetics,
University of Salerno, Italy
CONTACT
Let’s talk
We are always open to conversations with scientists, clinicians, and investors who share our conviction that the biology of exceptional aging holds the key to the next generation of medicine.