Serpin Pharma

Serpin Pharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapeutics that modulate the body's immune response to treat inflammatory, autoimmune, and infectious diseases. Founded in 2010 by Dr. Cohava Gelber, the company operates from Manassas, Virginia, within the Prince William Science Accelerator, fostering collaboration with nearby institutions like George Mason University. Dr. Gelber, who serves as Founder, Executive Chairperson, and CEO, brings over 25 years of executive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry at companies such as MannKind Corporation and ImmuLogic Pharmaceutical Corp. Her extensive background in immunology and drug development, with a Ph.D. from the Weizmann Institute, postdoctoral research at Stanford University, and an MBA from Cornell University, provides the scientific and business foundation for the company's mission.

The company's core technology revolves around SERPINs (serine protease inhibitors), a family of proteins that regulate immune responses. Serpin Pharma has engineered a novel peptide drug, SP16, derived from a naturally occurring SERPIN called alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT). By modifying the AAT molecule, the company created SP16 to enhance anti-inflammatory activity while avoiding the broad immunosuppression associated with conventional treatments like steroids. The therapeutic, SP16, functions by targeting the LRP1 receptor, which helps clear harmful molecules, reduce inflammation, and promote cell and tissue repair without inhibiting the body's essential immune functions. This mechanism is designed to prevent dangerous inflammatory cascades, such as the "cytokine storm" observed in severe infections.

Serpin Pharma's business model is centered on the clinical development and commercialization of its proprietary peptide drugs. The company's pipeline targets a wide array of conditions affecting significant patient populations. Key indications include acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), acute kidney injury (AKI), and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The company has received multiple grants to advance its research, including from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the BIRD Foundation, to fund clinical trials. In February 2025, Serpin Pharma entered into a commercial partnership with The Estée Lauder Companies to explore the application of its peptide technology in skincare to target skin longevity. The company's intellectual property is protected by a patent estate covering the composition of matter and use of its peptide drugs, with protection extending to 2041.

Keywords: biopharmaceutical, clinical-stage, immune modulation, anti-inflammatory therapeutics, autoimmune diseases, peptide drugs, SERPIN proteins, Cohava Gelber, SP16 therapeutic, LRP1 receptor agonist, inflammation management, cytokine storm, acute myocardial infarction, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, acute kidney injury, drug discovery, Manassas biotech, Virginia life sciences, Estée Lauder partnership, BIRD Foundation grant, National Cancer Institute grant