CounterX's Fentanyl Antibody Earns Spotlight at Elite Biotech Showcase

SEATTLE, WA – April 29, 2026 – In a significant nod from the biotechnology investment community, Seattle-based CounterX Therapeutics announced today it has been selected to present at the prestigious Science2Startup (S2S) symposium. The invitation places the company and its novel fentanyl overdose prevention therapy in front of some of the most influential venture capitalists and pharmaceutical scouts in the life sciences.

CounterX Therapeutics is one of only eight teams chosen from a competitive pool of over 100 applicants to present at the invitation-only event in Cambridge, MA, on May 13. The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Shawn Iadonato, will detail their strategy to combat the escalating fentanyl crisis, a public health emergency that continues to claim thousands of lives annually.

A Prestigious Platform for a Pressing Problem

Selection for Science2Startup is more than just a speaking slot; it is a powerful validation of a company's scientific premise and commercial potential. The symposium is organized by a consortium of top-tier life science venture capital firms, including Atlas Venture, F-Prime Capital, and RA Capital Management, with the express purpose of identifying and nurturing the world's most promising therapeutic innovations emerging from academic labs.

For a startup like CounterX, the S2S stage offers an unparalleled opportunity. The audience comprises the very stakeholders who can fuel the next stage of growth: venture capitalists looking for their next big investment, angel investors passionate about high-impact science, and talent scouts from major pharmaceutical companies seeking to fill their pipelines.

"We are excited to participate in S2S and be a part of this exclusive symposium for a select group of cutting-edge biotechnology companies," said Shawn Iadonato, Chief Executive Officer of CounterX Therapeutics, in a press release. "This event provides an excellent platform to connect with multiple stakeholders who are committed to transforming breakthrough science into impactful therapies."

The track record of S2S speaks to its influence. A significant portion of past presenters have successfully secured funding and launched companies, demonstrating the event's role as a critical bridge between laboratory discovery and the development of new medicines. For CounterX, this platform elevates their fight against an opioid crisis that has been dramatically worsened by the proliferation of synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

A Novel Defense Against Fentanyl's Scourge

At the heart of CounterX's strategy is CTRX-101, a groundbreaking therapy that represents a paradigm shift in overdose prevention. Unlike naloxone, which is used to reverse an overdose after it has occurred, CTRX-101 is a monoclonal antibody designed to prevent an overdose from happening in the first place.

Administered as a long-acting subcutaneous injection, the antibody circulates in the bloodstream and functions like a molecular sponge. It is engineered to specifically seek out and bind to fentanyl molecules. By sequestering the drug, the antibody neutralizes it, preventing it from crossing the blood-brain barrier and triggering the life-threatening respiratory depression that causes fatal overdoses. This prophylactic approach offers a new layer of protection for individuals at high risk.

The company emphasizes that CTRX-101 is not an opioid, is not a controlled substance, and is not expected to cause withdrawal symptoms. Preclinical studies have shown the therapy to be well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported, even when used in conjunction with standard medications for opioid use disorder (OUD) like buprenorphine or methadone. This positions CTRX-101 as a potential complementary therapy, a safety net for those on the path to recovery who may be at risk of accidental exposure or relapse.

From University Lab to Investor Spotlight

CounterX's journey exemplifies the mission of the Science2Startup event. The company's core technology is rooted in rigorous academic research, spearheaded by Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Marco Pravetoni. A Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Dr. Pravetoni is a leading researcher in the development of vaccines and antibody-based therapies for substance use disorders.

This strong scientific foundation, combined with an experienced leadership team led by CEO Shawn Iadonato, creates a compelling case for investors. The company represents the translation of years of publicly funded research into a tangible product with the potential for immense social and commercial impact. The S2S symposium is designed for precisely this moment, providing the critical exposure needed to attract the capital required for the long and expensive process of clinical development.

Presenting to this elite audience will be a pivotal test for the company. Iadonato will need to articulate not only the sophisticated science behind CTRX-101 but also a clear vision for its clinical development, regulatory pathway, and eventual place in the market. A successful presentation could unlock the funding needed to accelerate their progress significantly.

The Road Ahead: Clinical Trials and Market Potential

The immediate next step for CounterX is to move CTRX-101 into human trials. The company anticipates initiating a Phase 1 clinical study in 2026. This first-in-human trial will be designed to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profile of the antibody in healthy volunteers, a crucial step before it can be tested in patient populations.

The potential market for a therapy like CTRX-101 is substantial and deeply needed. High-risk populations include individuals in treatment for OUD, those recently released from incarceration, and even first responders who face the risk of accidental exposure. A long-acting preventative could provide a crucial window of protection during vulnerable periods, reducing fatalities and giving other recovery efforts a better chance to succeed.

As CounterX Therapeutics prepares for its moment in the Cambridge spotlight, the broader public health and investment communities will be watching closely. The company's progress represents a beacon of hope, leveraging the most advanced tools of biotechnology to address one of the most devastating public health crises of our time. The presentation on May 13 will not just be a pitch for funding, but a glimpse into a potential future where the tragic toll of fentanyl overdose can be dramatically reduced.