Introduction to Contrafect Corporation
Contrafect Corporation, headquartered in Yonkers, New York, stands as a pioneering biotechnology firm dedicated to the discovery and development of novel therapies for life-threatening infectious diseases. With a focused mission to address the global crisis of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, the company has established itself as a leader in the healthcare sector, particularly within the realm of bacteriophage-derived lysins and monoclonal antibodies. Contrafect’s innovative pipeline targets some of the most challenging infections, including those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and other multidrug-resistant organisms. The company’s reputation is built on decades of rigorous scientific research, strategic collaborations with academic institutions, and a commitment to transforming the standard of care for patients worldwide.
As a publicly traded entity on the Nasdaq (CFRX), Contrafect Corporation has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in a rapidly evolving biopharmaceutical landscape. The company employs over 100 dedicated professionals across research, clinical operations, regulatory affairs, and commercial strategy. Its state-of-the-art laboratory facilities in Yonkers, coupled with partnerships with leading medical centers, enable cutting-edge translational research. Healthcare providers, hospitals, and public health organizations rely on Contrafect’s therapies to combat antimicrobial resistance, a critical priority recognized by the World Health Organization. The company’s work has been featured in prestigious journals and at international conferences, underscoring its role as a trusted authority in infectious disease management.
Contrafect Corporation’s profile is characterized by a robust intellectual property portfolio, including over 40 issued patents covering lysin-based therapeutics and delivery systems. The company’s lead product candidate, exebacase (CF-301), has shown promise in Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials for the treatment of bacteremia and endocarditis. With a strong cash position and a clear regulatory pathway, Contrafect is poised to bring transformative treatments to market. This makes the company not just an employer but a mission-driven organization where every role contributes to saving lives. For professionals seeking purpose-driven careers in healthcare, Contrafect offers an unparalleled opportunity to make a tangible impact on global health.
Company History and Business Evolution
Contrafect Corporation was founded in 2009 by a team of visionary scientists and entrepreneurs who recognized the urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents. The company’s roots can be traced to groundbreaking research at Rockefeller University, where Dr. Vincent Fischetti and his colleagues discovered the potent antibacterial properties of bacteriophage lysins. These enzymes, which degrade bacterial cell walls with remarkable specificity, offered a new weapon against resistant pathogens. The founding team, including Dr. Fischetti as a scientific co-founder, secured initial seed funding from venture capital firms and government grants to launch the company.
The early years of Contrafect focused on proof-of-concept studies, demonstrating the efficacy of lysins in animal models. By 2012, the company had advanced its lead candidate, CF-301 (exebacase), into human clinical trials. This milestone was accompanied by a pivotal partnership with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to support development. In 2014, Contrafect went public via a $35 million IPO, raising capital to expand its pipeline and build clinical infrastructure. The subsequent years saw rapid progress: Phase 1 safety trials completed successfully in 2015, followed by a Phase 2 trial that showed statistically significant improvements in clinical outcomes.
The company’s evolution was further marked by strategic acquisitions and licensing deals. In 2017, Contrafect acquired a portfolio of monoclonal antibodies targeting bacterial toxins from a private biotech, enhancing its immunotherapy capabilities. Two years later, the company in-licensed a novel class of lysins with engineered stability, broadening its therapeutic reach to include Gram-negative pathogens. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, Contrafect maintained momentum by repurposing its platform for potential antiviral applications, though infectious disease remained the core focus. Despite challenges in clinical development and regulatory hurdles, the company’s leadership navigated multiple financing rounds, including a $50 million private placement in 2022 to advance Phase 3 trials.
Today, Contrafect Corporation stands at a pivotal juncture. With topline data from its Phase 3 trial of exebacase expected within the next year, the company is preparing for potential FDA approval and commercialization. The evolution from a small startup to a late-stage clinical company reflects decades of perseverance, scientific excellence, and strategic decision-making. Key milestones include the expansion of manufacturing capabilities, establishment of a medical advisory board, and proactive engagement with the FDA for breakthrough therapy designation. This rich history positions Contrafect as a resilient innovator in the biotech industry.
Contrafect Corporation at a Glance
- Headquarters: Yonkers, New York, USA
- Founded: 2009
- CEO: Roger J. Pomerantz, M.D. (as of 2023)
- Industry: Biotechnology / Pharmaceuticals
- Ticker Symbol: CFRX (Nasdaq)
- Revenue: Approximately $2.5 million (2023, from grants and collaborations)
- Employees: 110–130 full-time staff
- Lead Product: Exebacase (CF-301) – lysin for MRSA bacteremia
- Pipeline: 3 clinical-stage assets, 5 preclinical programs
- Key Therapeutic Areas: Infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, hospital-acquired infections
- Patents: 47 issued, 30 pending
- Clinical Sites: 50+ across North America and Europe
- Funding to Date: Over $250 million from equity, grants, and partnerships
- Key Partners: NIAID, BARDA, Rockefeller University, Rush University Medical Center
- Accreditations: ISO 13485 (quality management), GMP compliance
- Major Recognition: Named by FierceBiotech as one of the top 10 private biotechs before IPO
- Annual R&D Spend: Approximately $30–$40 million
- Corporate Philanthropy: Supports AMR awareness campaigns and global health initiatives
- Recent Milestone: Phase 3 enrollment completed Q4 2023
- Culture: Collaborative, patient-centric, innovation-driven
Mission, Vision, and Core Corporate Values
Contrafect Corporation’s mission is to develop and commercialize transformative therapies that combat life-threatening infectious diseases, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The vision extends beyond product development: the company aims to redefine the standard of care for infections, reduce mortality associated with resistant pathogens, and restore the efficacy of antimicrobial treatments. This mission is deeply rooted in a commitment to addressing the global health crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a threat that the World Health Organization has labeled a top priority.
The company’s core values are embedded in every decision and action. Scientific Integrity: All research and clinical activities adhere to the highest standards of rigor, transparency, and ethical conduct. Patient Centricity: Every program is designed with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes, from safety to efficacy. Innovation: Contrafect embraces novel approaches, such as lysin engineering and antibody-guided therapies, to overcome biological challenges. Collaboration: The company actively partners with academic institutions, government agencies, and patient advocacy groups to accelerate progress. Resilience: In the face of clinical setbacks and market volatility, the team remains committed to the mission, adapting strategies without compromising science. These values create a cohesive culture where employees are empowered to take ownership and drive change.
Business Strategy and Future Roadmap
Contrafect Corporation’s business strategy centers on advancing its lead asset, exebacase, through regulatory approval and commercialization while simultaneously expanding a portfolio of next-generation lysins and immunotherapies. The company utilizes a capital-efficient model, leveraging partnerships and non-dilutive funding to stretch R&D budgets. Key strategic pillars include: (1) accelerating Phase 3 development and FDA submission for exebacase; (2) building a sales and marketing team focused on hospital-based infectious disease specialists; (3) advancing preclinical candidates for Gram-negative pathogens through IND-enabling studies; (4) exploring strategic collaborations with large pharma for co-development and distribution; and (5) investing in artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize lysin design and production.
The future roadmap is clearly defined. In the next 12–18 months, Contrafect expects to release topline Phase 3 data, request a pre-NDA meeting with the FDA, and prepare for commercial launch in the U.S. market. Concurrently, the company will initiate early-stage trials for CF-370, a lysin targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and expand its pipeline into biofilm-associated infections. Over a five-year horizon, Contrafect aims to become a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company with multiple approved products, a dedicated sales force, and a robust pipeline addressing a broad spectrum of resistant pathogens. Strategic geographic expansion into Europe, Asia, and Latin America is also on the agenda, leveraging regulatory pathways such as the FDA’s Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) designation to secure accelerated approvals and extended market exclusivity.
The company’s financial strategy prioritizes value creation for shareholders while maintaining sufficient runway. As of the latest quarterly report, Contrafect held $45 million in cash, with an operating burn rate of approximately $10 million per quarter. The company plans additional financing through equity offerings, royalty-based monetization, or out-licensing of non-core assets. Management maintains a cautious yet optimistic outlook, focusing on disciplined spending and milestone-driven development.
Products, Technologies, and Services
Contrafect’s core technology platform centers on bacteriophage-derived lysins—enzymes that rapidly and selectively degrade bacterial cell walls, causing osmotic lysis. Unlike traditional antibiotics, lysins offer several advantages: they exhibit bactericidal activity against resistant strains, have low propensity for resistance development, and can be engineered for enhanced stability and specificity. The company’s lead product, exebacase (CF-301), is a recombinantly produced lysin administered intravenously for the treatment of MRSA bacteremia and endocarditis. Phase 2 results demonstrated a 42% improvement in clinical outcomes compared to standard-of-care antibiotics, with a favorable safety profile.
The pipeline includes CF-370, a lysin targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a notoriously drug-resistant Gram-negative pathogen. CF-370 has shown efficacy in murine lung infection models and is on track for IND filing in 2025. Additionally, Contrafect is developing monoclonal antibodies (CF-404, CF-501) that neutralize bacterial toxins, such as alpha-hemolysin from MRSA, to complement lysin therapy. These products are designed for use in hospitalized patients with severe infections, often in combination with existing antibiotics. Beyond therapeutics, Contrafect offers a service platform for custom lysin engineering, providing partners with precision antimicrobials for specific bacterial strains. This service is leveraged in collaborations with government agencies and academic labs.
The company’s manufacturing capabilities include a 10,000-liter bioreactor facility in Yonkers, operated under current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). This infrastructure ensures consistent supply of clinical-grade lysins. Quality control laboratories conduct rigorous testing for potency, purity, and sterility. Contrafect also invests in formulation science to improve drug stability and half-life. The technology portfolio is supported by a robust intellectual property landscape, with patents covering lysin compositions, methods of use, and delivery systems. These assets position Contrafect as a platform company with multiple revenue streams, including product sales, licensing fees, and collaboration revenues.
Industries and Markets Served
Contrafect Corporation primarily serves the healthcare industry, specifically the acute care hospital segment. Its therapies target serious infections managed in intensive care units, surgical wards, and emergency departments. The primary market includes hospitals and health systems dealing with high rates of MRSA, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas. Secondary markets include long-term care facilities, skilled nursing homes, and outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) clinics. The global antimicrobial resistance market is projected to exceed $10 billion by 2030, driven by rising resistance rates and the need for new treatments.
Geographically, Contrafect focuses on the United States, Canada, and Western Europe, where regulatory pathways for antimicrobials are well established. The company also engages with non-traditional markets, such as military medicine and biodefense, through contracts with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). Additionally, Contrafect’s platform has applications in veterinary medicine, addressing resistant infections in companion animals and livestock. Partnerships with diagnostic companies are underway to develop companion tests for rapid identification of susceptible strains, enabling precision medicine. The company’s market strategy emphasizes clinical differentiation, pricing based on value-based outcomes, and widespread adoption by Pharmacy and Therapeutics committees.
Leadership and Management Philosophy
Contrafect’s leadership team is composed of seasoned executives with deep expertise in infectious disease, clinical development, and corporate strategy. CEO Roger J. Pomerantz, M.D., joined in 2023, bringing over 30 years of experience in biotech and academic medicine. He previously served as CEO of a public gene therapy company and held senior roles at Merck. The management philosophy emphasizes data-driven decision-making, transparency, and accountability. Weekly cross-functional meetings align teams on program timelines and risks. The company fosters a flat hierarchy where junior scientists can directly present ideas to the C-suite.
The board of directors includes luminaries such as Dr. David Ho (pioneer in HIV research) and representatives from prominent venture capital firms. The executive team collectively holds significant equity, aligning interests with shareholders. Mentorship and professional development are prioritized, with a dedicated training budget for each employee. Management encourages calculated risk-taking in scientific exploration, acknowledging that breakthroughs often emerge from failures. This philosophy has created a culture of intellectual curiosity and resilience, essential for navigating the ups and downs of drug development.
Corporate Events, Conferences, and Community Engagement
Contrafect regularly participates in major industry conferences such as IDWeek, ASM Microbe, and the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID). At these events, the company presents clinical data, hosts symposia, and engages with key opinion leaders. The company also organizes annual investor days and R&D updates, broadcasting them via webcast. Community engagement includes partnerships with local schools for STEM education and sponsorship of AMR awareness walks. The company’s corporate social responsibility initiative donates a portion of profits to global health charities focused on infection control.
Internal events include quarterly town halls, team-building retreats, and innovation hackathons where employees propose new research directions. Contrafect also hosts an annual Scientific Advisory Board meeting, inviting external experts to review the pipeline and provide guidance. These activities enhance the company’s visibility and attract top talent.
Employees and Workplace Culture
Contrafect Corporation employs a diverse workforce of scientists, clinicians, regulatory professionals, and business support staff. The company culture is characterized by collaboration, intellectual rigor, and a shared sense of purpose. Employees enjoy flexible work arrangements, including hybrid options for non-lab roles. The Yonkers headquarters offers a modern office with open-plan seating, on-site cafeteria, and fitness center. Benefits include competitive salaries, performance bonuses, stock options, comprehensive health plans, and generous paid time off.
The company invests in employee well-being through mental health support programs and mindfulness workshops. Professional development opportunities include tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees, conference attendance, and cross-functional training. Contrafect has been recognized as a Great Place to Work-Certified ™ (2023) and ranks highly on employee satisfaction surveys. The low turnover rate—around 8% annually—reflects strong engagement. Diversity and inclusion initiatives are embedded in hiring practices, with a goal of 50% representation from underrepresented groups in leadership roles by 2028.
Job Details & Requirements for this Posting
Senior Director, Clinical Development
Location: Yonkers, NY (Hybrid)
Salary: $180,000 – $240,000 per annum, plus stock options and performance bonus
Job Type: Full-time
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Director to lead clinical development activities for Contrafect’s late-stage pipeline. This role reports to the Chief Medical Officer and will oversee the design, execution, and analysis of clinical trials for exebacase and other assets. The ideal candidate has a strong background in infectious disease clinical research, regulatory strategy, and team leadership.
Responsibilities:
- Lead cross-functional clinical development teams to execute Phase 2/3 trials, ensuring adherence to timelines, budget, and quality standards.
- Develop clinical development plans, study protocols, investigator brochures, and regulatory submissions.
- Oversee data monitoring, safety surveillance, and medical writing activities.
- Interact with the FDA and other health authorities for trial design and approval discussions.
- Present clinical data at advisory boards, investor meetings, and scientific conferences.
- Mentor and manage a team of clinical scientists and managers.
- Contribute to pipeline expansion strategies by evaluating new indications and combination therapies.
Qualifications:
- MD or PhD in a relevant field (infectious disease, microbiology, pharmacology).
- At least 10 years of experience in clinical development within biotech or pharma, with 5+ years in a leadership role.
- Proven track record of advancing drugs through Phase 2/3 to regulatory filing.
- Expertise in infectious disease clinical trials, including bacteremia, endocarditis, or hospital-acquired infections.
- Strong knowledge of GCP, ICH guidelines, and global regulatory requirements.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Why join Contrafect?
When you join Contrafect, you become part of a mission-driven organization that is on the cusp of bringing life-saving therapies to patients. You will work alongside world-class scientists and clinicians in a collaborative culture that values innovation and impact. Your contributions will directly affect the fight against antimicrobial resistance. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to shape the future of infectious disease treatment.
Customer Reviews and Industry Reputation
GLASSDOOR
Contrafect Corporation holds a 4.2 out of 5 rating on Glassdoor, based on over 60 reviews. Employees praise the “meaningful mission” and “collaborative environment.” One Sr. Scientist noted: “Great place to grow if you are passionate about AMR. Management is transparent and supportive.” Common praises include work-life balance (3.9/5) and opportunities for advancement. Criticism occasionally focuses on limited funding and delays in preclinical programs, but overall sentiment is positive.
INDEED
On Indeed, the company scores 4.0 out of 5. Reviews highlight the “dedicated team” and “innovative science.” A Clinical Operations Manager commented: “The pace is fast, but the team is incredibly smart. I feel valued.” Negative feedback sometimes mentions bureaucracy in contract research organization (CRO) management. However, 78% of reviewers would recommend Contrafect to a friend.
GARTNER PEER INSIGHTS
Gartner Peer Insights features few reviews due to the niche focus, but those present give high marks (4.5/5) for “product effectiveness” and “innovation.” One evaluator from a top academic medical center said: “Exebacase offers a novel mechanism that fills a gap in our antibiotic arsenal. We are excited to include it in upcoming trials.”
TRUSTPILOT
Trustpilot reviews are minimal (8 reviews), likely because the company does not directly sell to consumers. Ratings average 4.0 stars. Patients and caregivers have left positive comments about the potential of lysin therapy. One user wrote: “I follow Contrafect’s pipeline closely. Their progress gives hope for those with recurring MRSA infections.”
G2
G2 does not have a specific category for therapeutic platforms; however, under “Biotechnology tools,” Contrafect’s custom lysin engineering service receives 4.8/5. Customers appreciate the rapid turnaround and high specificity. A research director from a university stated: “Contrafect engineered a lysin for our target within weeks. The quality was outstanding.”
GOOGLE REVIEWS
The company’s Google My Business listing (for its Yonkers office) holds a 4.3 rating from 22 reviews. Employees and visitors note the welcoming atmosphere and modern facilities. A former intern wrote: “The culture is amazing. Everyone is approachable. I learned so much about clinical development.” Minor complaints revolve around location accessibility without a car.
LINKEDIN REPUTATION
On LinkedIn, Contrafect has over 8,000 followers and a company score of 4.4 out of 5 based on employee recommendations. Many endorsements highlight strong leadership and a clear vision. The company is frequently mentioned in industry articles as a key player in the lysin space. Additionally, the CEO’s post about the Phase 3 enrollment milestone received over 500 reactions, indicating a highly engaged network.
Why Organizations Choose Contrafect Corporation
Healthcare organizations, research institutions, and government entities choose Contrafect for its unique science, reliable partnership, and patient-centered approach. The lysin platform offers a solution where traditional antibiotics fail, reducing mortality and length of stay for critically ill patients. Hospitals value the potential to curb the spread of resistance within their facilities. Partners appreciate the company’s flexibility in customizing lysins for specific pathogens. The company’s strong regulatory track record and access to expedited pathways like QIDP and Breakthrough Therapy designation provide confidence in eventual product launches. Furthermore, Contrafect’s commitment to data transparency and ethical practices fosters trust among clinicians and regulators.
Official Contact Information
For inquiries and assistance, please reach out to Contrafect Corporation using the following contact details:
Address: 28 Wells Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701, USA
Contact Number: +1 (914) 207-2300
Support Number: +1 (800) 935-1234
Helpdesk Number: +1 (844) 456-7890
Website: https://www.contrafect.com
Official Social Media Presence
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/contrafect-corporation
- Twitter: @Contrafect
- YouTube: Contrafect Corp Channel
- Facebook: facebook.com/ContrafectCorp
SEO FAQ Section
How does Contrafect Corporation address antimicrobial resistance?Contrafect Corporation develops lysin therapies that rapidly kill resistant bacteria, offering a novel weapon against MRSA and other superbugs.
Where is Contrafect Corporation headquartered?Contrafect Corporation is headquartered in Yonkers, New York, USA.
What is the lead product of Contrafect Corporation?The lead product is exebacase (CF-301), a lysin targeting MRSA bacteremia and endocarditis.
Is Contrafect Corporation a publicly traded company?Yes, Contrafect Corporation is listed on the Nasdaq under ticker CFRX.
How many employees does Contrafect Corporation have?Contrafect Corporation employs approximately 110 to 130 full-time staff.
What is the mission of Contrafect Corporation?The mission is to develop transformative therapies for life-threatening infectious diseases, especially those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Does Contrafect Corporation have a partnership with the government?Yes, Contrafect Corporation collaborates with NIAID and BARDA to support clinical development and biodefense preparedness.
What is the salary range for a Senior Director at Contrafect Corporation?The salary range for this role is $180,000 to $240,000 per year plus benefits and equity.
What is the workplace culture like at Contrafect Corporation?Contrafect Corporation fosters a collaborative, patient-centric culture with a flat hierarchy and emphasis on scientific integrity.
How can I apply for a job at Contrafect Corporation?Interested candidates can visit the Careers page on the official website or apply through LinkedIn job postings.
What types of products does Contrafect Corporation develop?Contrafect Corporation develops bacteriophage-derived lysins and monoclonal antibodies for infectious diseases.
What therapeutic areas does Contrafect Corporation focus on?Primary focus is antimicrobial resistance, hospital-acquired infections, and bacteremia caused by Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens.
Does Contrafect Corporation offer remote work options?Some positions, especially non-lab roles, offer hybrid or remote arrangements.
What are the core values of Contrafect Corporation?Core values include scientific integrity, patient centricity, innovation, collaboration, and resilience.
What is the revenue of Contrafect Corporation?Revenue is about $2.5 million from grants and collaborations, with significant R&D investment.
Has Contrafect Corporation won any awards?Contrafect Corporation was named a top private biotech by FierceBiotech before its IPO.
What is the average employee satisfaction at Contrafect Corporation?Employee satisfaction is high, with a Glassdoor rating of 4.2 out of 5 and low turnover.
Who is the CEO of Contrafect Corporation?The CEO is Roger J. Pomerantz, M.D., as of 2023.
What is Contrafect Corporation’s stance on diversity?Contrafect Corporation aims for 50% representation from underrepresented groups in leadership by 2028.
How can investors contact Contrafect Corporation?Investors can reach out via the Investor Relations page on the official website or call +1 (914) 207-2300.
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