Path: /institutions/cbio-brazil
Type: Biotechnology Company
Headquarters: São Paulo, Brazil
Founded: 2015
Focus: [Neuroinflammation](/mechanisms/neuroinflammation) modulation for [Alzheimer's disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease) and [Parkinson's disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)
Overview
CBio Brazil (Centro de Biotecnologia do Brasil) is a São Paulo-based biotechnology company focused on immunological research and immune-mediated therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Founded in 2015, CBio Brazil leverages Brazil's rich biodiversity and strong academic research infrastructure to develop novel immunotherapeutic approaches. The company maintains research collaborations with major Brazilian universities and has established itself as a leader in immune system modulation for CNS disorders[@cbiocom2024].
CBio's approach focuses on the intersection of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, targeting the immune components that contribute to disease progression in [Alzheimer's](/diseases/alzheimers-disease) and [Parkinson's](/diseases/parkinsons-disease) disease. The company's science-led strategy recognizes that neuroinflammation is not merely a secondary phenomenon in neurodegeneration but may represent a primary driver of disease progression. By modulating immune responses, CBio aims to develop disease-modifying therapies that address the underlying pathological processes[@santos2023].
...Path: /institutions/cbio-brazil
Type: Biotechnology Company
Headquarters: São Paulo, Brazil
Founded: 2015
Focus: [Neuroinflammation](/mechanisms/neuroinflammation) modulation for [Alzheimer's disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease) and [Parkinson's disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)
Overview
CBio Brazil (Centro de Biotecnologia do Brasil) is a São Paulo-based biotechnology company focused on immunological research and immune-mediated therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Founded in 2015, CBio Brazil leverages Brazil's rich biodiversity and strong academic research infrastructure to develop novel immunotherapeutic approaches. The company maintains research collaborations with major Brazilian universities and has established itself as a leader in immune system modulation for CNS disorders[@cbiocom2024].
CBio's approach focuses on the intersection of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, targeting the immune components that contribute to disease progression in [Alzheimer's](/diseases/alzheimers-disease) and [Parkinson's](/diseases/parkinsons-disease) disease. The company's science-led strategy recognizes that neuroinflammation is not merely a secondary phenomenon in neurodegeneration but may represent a primary driver of disease progression. By modulating immune responses, CBio aims to develop disease-modifying therapies that address the underlying pathological processes[@santos2023].
The company's headquarters is located in the Butantã technology park adjacent to the University of São Paulo, facilitating close collaboration with academic researchers. CBio employs approximately 120 staff, with roughly half dedicated to research and development activities. The company operates GMP-compliant manufacturing facilities for antibody production and has established clinical trial logistics capabilities through partnerships with major Brazilian hospitals.
Research Focus
Neuroimmunology in Neurodegeneration
CBio Brazil's research programme is built on the understanding that chronic neuroinflammation plays a central role in both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. [Microglia](/cell-types/microglia), the brain's resident immune cells, become persistently activated in these conditions, releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines that damage neurons and promote the aggregation of pathological proteins. CBio's strategy focuses on modulating these immune responses to halt or slow disease progression[@santos2023].
The company's development pipeline addresses multiple points in the neuroinflammatory cascade. The goal is to develop combination approaches that can simultaneously reduce harmful inflammation while preserving the beneficial functions of immune surveillance. This nuanced approach distinguishes CBio from companies pursuing simple anti-inflammatory strategies that may compromise essential protective immune functions.
Lead Programmes
CB-101 is an anti-inflammatory immunotherapy programme targeting [interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36242568/), a cytokine that is elevated in the brains of Parkinson's disease patients and correlates with disease severity. CBio has developed a monoclonal antibody that neutralizes IL-1β, potentially reducing [neuroinflammation](/mechanisms/neuroinflammation) while preserving other immune functions. This programme is in Phase 1 development[@cbio2024pipeline].
CB-201 is a [microglial modulator](/cell-types/microglia) programme targeting the transition of microglia from a neurotoxic pro-inflammatory phenotype to a neuroprotective phenotype. Rather than simply blocking inflammation, this approach aims to actively redirect microglial function toward supporting neuronal health. Preclinical studies have shown that CB-201 can reduce neuronal loss in mouse models of [Alzheimer's disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease) while maintaining normal immune surveillance.
CB-301 represents CBio's innovative vaccine platform for [Parkinson's disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease). This active immunization approach stimulates the body to produce antibodies against [alpha-synuclein](/proteins/alpha-synuclein), the protein that forms [Lewy bodies](/mechanisms/alpha-synuclein-aggregation) in Parkinson's disease. By clearing or preventing alpha-synuclein aggregation, this vaccine could potentially slow or prevent disease progression. The programme is in discovery phase[@ferreira2024].
CBio has developed proprietary technology for several innovative therapeutic approaches:
- Immune cell engineering: Modulates peripheral immune cells to enhance their ability to penetrate the central nervous system, addressing a major challenge in CNS drug delivery
- Cytokine blockade: Provides targeted inhibition of specific pro-inflammatory cytokines without broadly suppressing immune function
- Autoantibody removal: Uses apheresis-based methods to selectively remove harmful autoantibodies from circulation
Pipeline Overview
| Programme | Indication | Stage | Mechanism |
|-----------|-----------|-------|----------|
| CB-101 | [Parkinson's disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease) | Phase 1 | IL-1β neutralization |
| CB-201 | [Alzheimer's disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease) | Preclinical | Microglial phenotype modulation |
| CB-301 | [Parkinson's disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease) | Discovery | [Alpha-synuclein](/proteins/alpha-synuclein) vaccination |
Partnerships and Collaborations
CBio maintains strategic partnerships with leading Brazilian research institutions and healthcare organizations. The collaboration with Butantan Institute focuses on vaccine development, leveraging the institute's extensive experience in vaccine research and manufacturing. The partnership with the University of São Paulo provides access to basic research capabilities and talent pipelines, while Hospital das Clínicas serves as a primary clinical trial site[@santos2023].
Internationally, CBio has established relationships with pharmaceutical companies interested in its technology platform. These partnerships provide access to global development and commercialization capabilities, potentially enabling CBio's therapies to reach patients worldwide.
CBio Brazil has raised R$28 million in total funding, with primary investment from the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) and venture capital from Criatec Investimentos. The company also receives significant non-dilutive funding through research grants from federal agencies, supporting its basic research activities. Revenue has been growing steadily from licensing deals and contract research services[@cbiocom2024].
Cross-Links
- [Neuroinflammation](/mechanisms/neuroinflammation)
- [Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease)
- [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)
- [Microglia](/cell-types/microglia)
- [Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation](/mechanisms/alpha-synuclein-aggregation)
- [Cytokine Networks in Neurodegeneration](/mechanisms/cytokine-networks-neurodegeneration)