ChemoCentryx

ChemoCentryx was a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of orally administered therapeutics that target chemokine pathways. These pathways are crucial in regulating the movement of inflammatory cells, making them attractive targets for diseases involving inflammation and autoimmune disorders. The company's lead product, TAVNEOS (avacopan), was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October 2021 for the treatment of adult patients with severe active ANCA-associated vasculitis, a rare autoimmune disease.

The company's pipeline included other drug candidates aimed at various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, as well as cancer. ChemoCentryx utilized its expertise in chemokine biology and medicinal chemistry to design small molecule inhibitors. Their scientific approach involved identifying specific chemokine receptors and developing molecules that could selectively block their action. This targeted approach aimed to provide more precise therapeutic effects with potentially fewer side effects compared to broader immunosuppressive therapies.

Founded in 1997, ChemoCentryx was headquartered in San Carlos, California. The company pursued a strategy of advancing its drug candidates through clinical trials and seeking regulatory approvals. In December 2022, ChemoCentryx was acquired by Amgen, a larger biotechnology company, for approximately $3.7 billion. This acquisition aimed to integrate ChemoCentryx's innovative pipeline, particularly TAVNEOS, into Amgen's broader inflammation and nephrology portfolio. The integration sought to leverage Amgen's resources to further develop and commercialize ChemoCentryx's therapies globally.