First-on-Target First-in-Class ACOD1 Inhibitors

Targeting Immunometabolism for Next-Generation Cancer Therapy

Citrapeutics is developing orally available small-molecule inhibitors targeting ACOD1 (IRG1), a key immunometabolic enzyme which drives immune suppression in tumour tissue. Our platform aims to restore anti-tumor immunity across multiple solid tumor indications.

Scientific Platform

ACOD1 is a metabolic enzyme expressed in activated myeloid immune cells (macrophages, dendritic cells, granulocytes) that synthesizes the immunosuppressive metabolite itaconate.

Elevated ACOD1 activity has been associated with impaired T-cell function and tumor immune evasion.

Citrapeutics is advancing a pipeline of selective, orally bioavailable small molecules designed to inhibit ACOD1 and reprogram the tumor microenvironment. Our therapeutics are being developed for use as monotherapy and potentially as combination therapy to achieve durable anti-tumor immunity.

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Melanoma
NSCLC
Colorectal Cancer
Solid Tumors

Preclinical Validation

Our research demonstrates that ACOD1 inhibition can enhance immune activation. We have established robust efficacy evidence across three distinct preclinical models.

In Vivo Efficacy

Demonstrated anti-tumor activity and tumor growth inhibition across 3 distinct preclinical models.

Immune Reactivation

Restoration of T-cell effector function, reduction of immunosuppressive T cell populations and reversal of immunosuppressive signaling in tumor-associated myeloid cells.

Oral Small Molecules

Selective inhibitors optimized for potency, oral bioavailability, and scalable manufacturing.

Selected Publications

Representative scientific publications and foundational research related to ACOD1 biology and tumor immunometabolism.

ACOD1 a new target in immuno-oncology
Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism (Waqas et al)
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ACOD1 and itaconate in cancer immunometabolism
Science Advances
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ACOD1-mediated itaconate production drives tumor immune evasion
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)
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Citraconate inhibits ACOD1 (IRG1) catalysis, reduces interferon responses and oxidative stress, and modulates inflammation and cell metabolism
Nature Metabolism
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About Us

Our scientific origins trace back to the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), where pioneering work on immunometabolism and itaconate biology laid the groundwork for ACOD1 as a compelling oncology target.

The research underpinning our platform was conducted in the laboratory of Prof. Dr. Frank Pessler, Research Group Leader at HZI and TWINCORE (Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research). Prof. Pessler's group has made seminal contributions to understanding the role of ACOD1-derived itaconate in immune regulation and disease — work that directly informs Citrapeutics' drug discovery strategy.

We are a preclinical-stage biotech committed to developing first-on-target, first-in-class, orally bioavailable small-molecule ACOD1 inhibitors with the potential to transform outcomes for patients with solid tumors.

Visit the Pessler Lab at TWINCORE / HZI →

News

Latest news, recognition and milestones for Citrapeutics.

BioCap 2026

BioCap 2026 Berlin — Citrapeutics is attending BioCap 2026 in Berlin

Come and meet us on June 9th and 10th at Berlin Messe BioCap 2026, Europe's Life Science & AI Investival with one clear mission: connecting breakthrough science to the funding that turns ideas into impact.

View BioCap 2026 website →
IBT Lower Saxony

IBT Lower Saxony — €1.4 million competitive grant awarded (2025)

Citrapeutics was selected through the highly competitive IBT (Institute for Biomedical Translation) grant programme in Lower Saxony. The IBT is supporting Citrapeutics with a €1.4 million of funding grant — a significant validation of our strategy and approach.

Read the announcement →
Biovaria 2025

Biovaria 2025 — Citrapeutics winner of the Startup Pitch Award

Citrapeutics was recognised at Biovaria 2025, one of Europe's leading partnering conferences for life science innovation. Our selection as a featured startup in the pitch programme — winning in the "Rising Startup" category — highlights the compelling science that underpins Citrapeutics and the growing interest in immunometabolic targets for next-generation cancer therapy.

View Biovaria 2025 startups →

Support & Partners

Citrapeutics is proud to be supported by leading academic, entrepreneurial, and funding institutions committed to advancing biomedical innovation.

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