Advancing a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) remains one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant cancers, with a median survival measured in months and limited innovation in standard of care over the past two decades.

Zenagem Bio is focused on changing this.

We are developing a novel small molecule therapeutic designed to target a previously unaddressed biological mechanism in glioblastoma.

Our approach is grounded in chemoproteomic discovery and activity-based protein profiling, enabling the identification of functionally critical protein targets that have historically remained inaccessible to traditional drug discovery approaches .

We have identified a validated target and are advancing a lead small molecule candidate through preclinical development,

with early data supporting both target engagement and therapeutic potential.

By combining precision chemical biology with translational insight,
Zenagem Bio aims to deliver
first-in-class therapies capable of meaningfully improving outcomes for patients with GBM.

Team

Zenagem Bio is led by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in chemical biology, drug discovery, and translational science. The team brings experience across target discovery, small molecule development, and early-stage company building.

We are supported by a growing network of scientific collaborators and advisors and are actively expanding our capabilities as we advance our pipeline.

Executive Team

Janine Ellenberger MD

Co-Founder and CEO

Physician, entrepreneur, and healthcare executive who has successfully founded and led multiple ventures at the intersection of medicine and technology.

Expertise in building and early funding of startups, go-to-market strategy across B2B and B2C healthcare markets, strategic partnerships, and applying AI and machine learning to scale innovative healthcare solutions.

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Christopher P. Cifarelli, MD, PhD, MMM, FAANS, FACS

Chief Medical Officer

Neurosurgeon, and physician–scientist with deep expertise in neuro-oncology, translational therapeutics, and clinical development.

Leads clinical strategy and translational direction for innovative platforms, advancing programs from early discovery through key inflection points, including partnership development and clinical application

Matthew Farabaugh, MS

CFO/C00

20+ years of experience in clinical development, manufacturing, and finance across CGT, oncology, immunology, and infectious disease.

Co-founded The Center for Breakthrough Medicines, leading Series A and B raises with SK Pharmteco. Formerly led finance at WuXi Advanced Therapies and supported the UPenn-Novartis partnership enabling FDA approval of CAR-T therapy Kymriahients with relapsed ALL.

Andy Snyder, PhD

VP Discovery and Biology

R&D leader with a proven track record translating early-stage technologies and novel targets into industry across oncology, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Built and led scientific teams at two VC-backed biotech startups. Directed biology strategy for “undruggable” targets, advancing small molecules from discovery to development candidate (Huntington’s) and multiple oncology programs through hit-to-lead.

Scientific Advisory Board

Megan Matthews, PhD

Scientific Co-Founder, Inventor

Assistant Professor of Chemistry at UPenn, is driving innovation at the intersection of discovery and translation.

Her research group discovers enzymes, inhibitors and the metabolic pathways they modulate, important for the nervous system and cancer. Previous experience working at the Scripps Institute.

Ben Cravatt, PhD

Advisor

Gilula Chair of Chemical Biology. Prof. of Chemistry, Scripps Research, co-founder of Belharra, Activx (acq. By Kyorin) Abide (acq. By Lundbeck), member of National Academies of Sciences and Medicine.

Ben created ABPP technology in 90s and it revolutionized how drugs are discovered today.

Dr. Don O’Rourke, MD, PhD

Advisor

Neurosurgeon at Penn Medicine, holding the John Templeton, Jr. Professorship in Neurosurgery and directing the Human Brain Tumor Tissue Bank and the Glioblastoma Translational Center of Excellence.

Active in patient care particularly in brain tumor and glioblastoma management.

Marty Bollinger PhD

Advisor

Russell and Mildred Marker Professor of Natural Products Prof. of Chemistry at Penn State.

He brings decades of expertise on the mechanisms of metalloenzymes and metallocofactor assembly to our advisory board.

Funding & Contact

Zenagem Bio is currently seeking strategic partners and investors to support the continued advancement of our lead program.

We are raising capital to:

Advance our lead small molecule candidate through IND-enabling studies
Expand our pipeline of novel targets
Build core R&D infrastructure

Advancing a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Glioblastoma

Zenagem Bio is focused on changing this.

We have identified a validated target and are advancing a lead small molecule candidate through preclinical development,

By combining precision chemical biology with translational insight,
Zenagem Bio aims to deliver
first-in-class therapies capable of meaningfully improving outcomes for patients with GBM.