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    How Centessa’s OX2R Expansion, Leadership Shifts and $250M Raise At Centessa Pharmaceuticals (CNTA) Has Changed Its Investment Story

    Simply Wall St·01/18/2026 10:10:14
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    • In recent days, Centessa Pharmaceuticals reported new preclinical data showing its selective OX2R agonist reduced behavioral despair and improved wakefulness in animal models of major depressive disorder, while also outlining plans to broaden its orexin pipeline across neuropsychiatric conditions with high unmet need.
    • Coupled with strong analyst support, leadership changes, and a planned US$250,000,000 public offering to fund late-stage trials, these developments highlight how Centessa is positioning its orexin receptor 2 platform as a potential foundation for a wider neuroscience franchise.
    • We’ll now examine how Centessa’s push to expand its OX2R agonist program into broader neuropsychiatric indications shapes its investment narrative.

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    What Is Centessa Pharmaceuticals' Investment Narrative?

    To own Centessa today, you have to believe its orexin platform can evolve from a narcolepsy-focused story into a broader neuroscience franchise, without the balance sheet or execution risks overwhelming the opportunity. The fresh preclinical OX2R data in major depressive disorder reinforces that bigger vision and could add a new layer to the near term catalyst stack, which had been dominated by advancing ORX750 into Phase 3 for hypersomnias and deploying the recent US$250,000,001 equity raise. At the same time, the stock’s pullback and strong analyst support suggest the market is still treating these depression data as incremental rather than transformational for now. The expanded pipeline also raises the stakes on cash burn, trial complexity and a new CEO’s ability to keep programs on track.

    However, investors should be aware of how quickly Centessa’s cash needs could evolve. Despite retreating, Centessa Pharmaceuticals' shares might still be trading above their fair value and there could be some more downside. Discover how much.

    Exploring Other Perspectives

    CNTA 1-Year Stock Price Chart
    CNTA 1-Year Stock Price Chart
    The single Simply Wall St Community fair value estimate sits far above the current US$22.20 share price, yet Task 1’s focus on ongoing losses and funding needs shows why views on Centessa’s trajectory can differ sharply.

    Explore another fair value estimate on Centessa Pharmaceuticals - why the stock might be worth just $203.46!

    Build Your Own Centessa Pharmaceuticals Narrative

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    This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.