Clearing fibrosis.

Zafera is developing off-the-shelf, iPSC-derived macrophages programmed with drug-loaded microparticles.

Our goal is to clear established fibrosis and restore tissue function, starting with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

See the preclinical evidence Explore the platform

Preclinical proof of concept

~50% reduction in lung fibrosis within 7 days

Durable through Day 28, the study endpoint.

After one dose of programmed macrophages, microCT showed reduced fibrotic tissue volume versus controls in a repetitive bleomycin mouse model of established, progressing pulmonary fibrosis.

Day 28 whole-lung microCT images of healthy, control and treated mice. Charts compare fibrotic tissue volume and hydroxyproline in treated and control mice on Days 7, 14 and 28.
Figure 1. Lung imaging and fibrosis measurements. View full-size figure

What the study measured

MicroCT and hydroxyproline, a measure of collagen content, showed lower fibrosis burden in treated mice than in controls at Days 7, 14 and 28. The lung images show Day 28.

Study design and figure notes

Mice received three doses of bleomycin (1 U/kg), 14 days apart. A single dose of programmed macrophages was given at week 10, six weeks after the last bleomycin dose, once fibrosis was established and progressing.

The quantitative panels subtract the baseline from untreated, healthy mice. Gray bars are controls and green bars are treatment.

Data source: Zafera investor presentation, October 1, 2026, slides 7–8. Mouse model reference

Our platform

Programming macrophages
to clear fibrosis.

Macrophages can help drive or resolve fibrosis. Zafera uses drug-loaded microparticles to direct these cells toward fibrosis clearance without genetic engineering.

Illustration of a macrophage taking up drug-loaded microparticles
Illustration of microparticle uptake

  1. Start with off-the-shelf macrophages

    The platform uses macrophages made from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), designed for off-the-shelf use.

  2. Load drug-releasing microparticles

    The macrophages take up drug-loaded PLGA microparticles outside the body before administration.

  3. Program the cells from within

    The microparticles release drug inside the macrophages. This release is designed to program the cells for fibrosis clearance.

Explore the lead IPF program

Lead program Preclinical

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

IPF is Zafera’s lead indication. The program builds on proof of concept in established pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Liver, renal and cardiac fibrosis are potential future applications for the platform.

Development priorities

  1. Candidate selection

    Optimize the platform, characterize its mechanism and dose response, and select a lead candidate.

  2. IND-enabling work

    Advance manufacturing scale-up, toxicology, and regulatory engagement.

  3. Clinical translation

    Plan a first-in-human study to evaluate safety, tolerability, and pharmacology.

Leadership

Meet Zafera’s co-founders.

Arthur Fratamico, RPh

CEO and Co-Founder

Biotech CEO with experience building companies, raising capital, and leading successful exits and public offerings.

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Kara Spiller, PhD

Co-Founder

Drexel University URBN Professor of Biomedical Innovation with expertise in biomaterials, macrophage biology, fibrosis, and translational cell therapy.

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Clinical advisors

Saar Gill, MD, PhD
University of Pennsylvania
Macrophage biology and cell therapy

Jacob Brenner, MD, PhD
University of Pennsylvania
Nanomedicine and pulmonary disease

Investors and partners

Connect with Zafera.

For investment and partnering inquiries about our science, IPF program, and development plans, contact co-founder and CEO Arthur Fratamico.

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