Cerespectus is developing a minimally invasive, catheter-based platform for delivering gene therapies directly into the cerebrospinal fluid via lumbar access — a safer and more accessible alternative to current high-risk procedures. Their image-guided microcatheter enables real-time navigation to the cisterna magna, addressing a critical need in neurological drug delivery for conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and rare pediatric diseases.
Lead Program & Pipeline
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Lead product: Image-guided microcatheter system for CNS drug and gene therapy delivery
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Targets cisterna magna through lumbar access, avoiding high-risk suboccipital puncture
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Applicable to treatment of neurological and genetic disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, GM1, and Hunter’s syndrome
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Platform adaptable for broader cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drug delivery use cases
Technology Differentiators
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First device to reach cisterna magna via lumbar access, enabling safer delivery
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Incorporates real-time video guidance for precise catheter placement
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Minimally invasive, improves accessibility and reduces need for highly specialized training
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Enables safer and more effective gene therapy infusions for both adult and pediatric populations
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International patents filed (granted in Israel, under review in US and EU)
Stage & Investment
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Stage: Preclinical
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Funding Raised: <$500K
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IP: International patents filed (US & EU under review, granted in Israel)
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Regulatory: Aligned with FDA via Q-Sub; pursuing De Novo Class II designation
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Collaborators: University of Pennsylvania, PCI Ventures, Synectic Engineering, Penn Health-Tech
What's Next
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Finalize microcatheter and navigation system prototype
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Conduct benchtop, cadaveric, and preclinical safety studies
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Complete market and pricing research with neurologists and hospital stakeholders
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Submit De Novo application to FDA
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Open fundraising for next development phase, targeting $2M
Leadership
Kamna Giare-Patel, MS
CEO & Co-founder
Bryan Pukenas, MD
Co-founder