# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001847903
**File Stem:** 0001193125-23-084646
**Filing Date:** 2023-3
**Character Count:** 41473
**Document Hash:** 5597411880f2537dca085f608a7d00b3
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001193125-23-084646.hdr.sgml**: 20230330

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001193125-23-084646

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: S-8

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 5

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20230330

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20230330

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20230330

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001847903
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS [2834]
- **IRS NUMBER:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** X0
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** S-8
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-270968
- **FILM NUMBER:** 23777370

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 3RD FLOOR
- **STREET 2:** 1 ASHLEY ROAD
- **CITY:** ALTRINCHAM, CHESHIRE
- **STATE:** X0
- **ZIP:** WA14 2DT
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 44 7391 789784

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 3RD FLOOR
- **STREET 2:** 1 ASHLEY ROAD
- **CITY:** ALTRINCHAM, CHESHIRE
- **STATE:** X0
- **ZIP:** WA14 2DT

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** Centessa Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20210224

**As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2023** 

**Registration No. 333-** 

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**UNITED STATES** 

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION** 

**Washington, D.C. 20549** 

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**FORM S-8**

**REGISTRATION STATEMENT** 

***Under***

***The Securities Act of 1933***

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## CENTESSA PHARMACEUTICALS PLC
**(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)** 

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---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **England and Wales** | **98-1612294** |
| **(State or other jurisdiction of**<br> **incorporation or organization)** | **(I.R.S. Employer**<br> **Identification Number)** |

---

**Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc** 

**3rd Floor, 1 Ashley Rd,** 

**Altrincham, Cheshire,** 

**United Kingdom, WA14 2DT** 

**+44 (0) 203 920 6789, ext. 9999** 

**(Address of Principal Executive Offices)** 

**Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc 2021 Share Option and Incentive Plan** 

**Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc 2021 Employee Share Purchase Plan** 

**(Full Title of the Plans)** 

**Saurabh Saha** 

**Chief Executive Officer** 

**Centessa Pharmaceuticals, Inc.** 

**One Federal Street, 38th Floor** 

**Boston, Massachusetts 02110** 

**+1 (617)-468-5770**

**(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)** 

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***Copies to:***

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Mitchell S. Bloom**<br> **Edwin M. O'Connor**<br> **James Xu**<br> **Goodwin Procter LLP**<br> **100 Northern Avenue**<br> **Boston, MA 02210**<br> **(617) 570-1000** | **Iqbal Hussain**<br> **Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc**<br> **3rd Floor, 1 Ashley Rd,**<br> **Altrincham, Cheshire,**<br> **United Kingdom, WA14 2DT**<br> **+44 (0) 203 920 6789, ext. 9999** | **Graham Defries**<br> **Goodwin Procter (UK) LLP**<br> **100 Cheapside**<br> **London EC2V 6DY**<br> **United Kingdom**<br> **+44 20 7447 4200** |

---

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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
| Non-accelerated filer | ☒ | Smaller reporting company | ☒ |
|  |  | Emerging growth company | ☒ |

---

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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐

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**EXPLANATORY NOTE** 

This Registration Statement on Form S-8 registers 4,742,169 additional ordinary shares of Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc (the "Registrant"), nominal value £0.002 per share (the "Ordinary Shares") under the Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc Amended and Restated 2021 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the "2021 Plan") and 948,433 additional Ordinary Shares under the Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc 2021 Employee Share Purchase Plan (the "2021 ESPP"), which shares may be represented by the American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") of the Registrant, with each ADS representing one Ordinary Share. ADSs issuable upon deposit of the Ordinary Shares registered hereby were registered pursuant to a separate Registration Statement on Form F-6 (File No. 333-256385). The number of Ordinary Shares reserved and available for issuance under the 2021 Plan is subject to an automatic annual increase on each January 1, by an amount equal to the lesser of: (i) 5% of the number of Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding on the immediately preceding December 31, and (ii) such lesser number of Ordinary Shares as determined by the Administrator (as defined in the 2021 Plan). Accordingly, on January 1, 2023, the number of Ordinary Shares reserved and available for issuance under the 2021 Plan increased by 4,742,169. The number of Ordinary Shares reserved and available for issuance under the 2021 ESPP is subject to an automatic annual increase on each January 1, by an amount equal to the least of: (i) 1,720,000 Ordinary Shares, (ii) 1% of the number of Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding on the immediately preceding December 31, and (iii) such lesser number of Ordinary Shares as determined by the Administrator (as defined in the 2021 ESPP). Accordingly, on January 1, 2023, the number of Ordinary Shares reserved and available for issuance under the 2021 ESPP increased by 948,433. The additional Ordinary Shares are of the same class as other securities relating to the 2021 Plan and the 2021 ESPP for which the Registrant's registration statements filed on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on [June 11, 2021](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1847903/000119312521188878/d148316ds8.htm) (File No. 333-257027) and [July 1, 2022](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1847903/000119312522187186/d295368ds8.htm) (File No. 333-265977), are effective, and this Registration Statement hereby incorporates by reference the contents of such prior registration statements pursuant to General Instruction E of Form S-8.

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**Part II** 

**INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT** 

**Item 8. Exhibits.** 

See the Exhibit Index on the page immediately preceding the exhibits for a list of exhibits filed as part of this registration statement on Form S-8, which Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference.

**EXHIBIT INDEX** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit**<br> **No.** | **Description** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.1 | [Articles of Association of the registrant, as currently in effect (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 6, 2022 (File No. 001-40445)).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1847903/000119312522258932/d378676dex31.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.1 | [Form of Deposit Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-255393)).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1847903/000119312521170068/d123754dex41.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.2 | [Form of American Depositary Receipt (included in Exhibit 4.1) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-255393)).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1847903/000119312521170068/d123754dex41.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.1\* | [Opinion of Goodwin Procter (UK) LLP.](d415945dex51.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;23.1\* | [Consent of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm.](d415945dex231.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;23.2\* | [Consent of Goodwin Procter (UK) LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).](d415945dex51.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24.1\* | [Power of Attorney (included on signature page).](d415945ds8.htm#sig) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;99.1 | [2021 Share Option Plan and forms of award agreements thereunder (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-255393)).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1847903/000119312521170068/d123754dex104.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;99.2 | [2021 Employee Share Purchase Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-255393)).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1847903/000119312521170068/d123754dex103.htm) |
| 107.1\* | [Filing Fee Table](d415945dexfilingfees.htm) |

---

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\* Filed herewith.

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**SIGNATURES** 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in City of Boston, State of Massachusetts, on this 30th day of March, 2023.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **CENTESSA PHARMACEUTICALS PLC** | **CENTESSA PHARMACEUTICALS PLC** |
| By: | /s/ Saurabh Saha, M.D., Ph.D |
|  | Name: Saurabh Saha, M.D., Ph.D. |
|  | Title: *Chief Executive Officer* |

---

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**POWER OF ATTORNEY AND SIGNATURES** 

KNOW ALL BY THESE PRESENT, that each individual whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints each of Saurabh Saha and Gregory Weinhoff as such person's true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for such person in such person's name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement on Form S-8, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as such person might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that any said attorney-in-fact and agent, or any substitute or substitutes of any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following person in the capacities and on the date indicated.

**SIGNATURES** 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Signature** | **Title** | **Date** |
| /s/ Saurabh Saha, M.D., Ph.D.<br> Name: Saurabh Saha, M.D., Ph.D. | Chief Executive Officer<br> (Principal Executive Officer) | March 30, 2023 |
| /s/ Gregory Weinhoff, M.D., M.B.A.<br> Name: Gregory Weinhoff, M.D., M.B.A. | Chief Financial Officer<br> (Principal Financial Officer) | March 30, 2023 |
| /s/ Francesco De Rubertis, Ph.D.<br> Name: Francesco De Rubertis, Ph.D. | Director | March 30, 2023 |
| /s/ Arjun Goyal, M.D., M.Phil, M.B.A.<br> Name: Arjun Goyal, M.D., M.Phil, M.B.A. | Director | March 30, 2023 |
| /s/ Mathias Hukkelhoven<br> Name: Mathias Hukkelhoven | Director | March 30, 2023 |
| /s/ Brett Zbar, M.D<br> Name: Brett Zbar, M.D. | Director | March 30, 2023 |
| /s/ Mary Lynne Hedley, Ph.D.<br> Name: Mary Lynne Hedley, Ph.D. | Director | March 30, 2023 |
| /s/ Samarth Kulkarni, Ph.D.<br> Name: Samarth Kulkarni, Ph.D. | Director | March 30, 2023 |
| /s/ Carol Stuckley, M.B.A.<br> Name: Carol Stuckley, M.B.A. | Director | March 30, 2023 |

---

**SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REGISTRANT** 

Pursuant to the Securities Act, the undersigned, the duly authorized representative in the United States of the registrant has signed this Registration Statement on Form S-8 on this 30th day of March, 2023.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  By: | /s/ Gregory Weinhoff, M.D., M.B.A. |
|  | Name: Gregory Weinhoff, M.D., M.B.A. |

---

## Exhibit 5.1

**Exhibit 5.1** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![LOGO](g415945g0329041143155.jpg)  | Goodwin Procter (UK) LLP<br> 100 Cheapside<br> London EC2V 6DY<br> United Kingdom<br> goodwinlaw.com<br> +44 (0) 20 7447 4200 |

---

30 March 2023

Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc

3rd Floor

1 Ashley Rd

Altrincham WA14 2DT

United Kingdom

Ladies and Gentlemen,

**Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc – Registration Statement on Form S-8 – Exhibit 5.1** 

We have acted as English legal advisers to Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc, a public limited company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of England and Wales with registered number 12973576 (the "**Company**") in connection with the preparation and filing of the registration statement on Form S-8 to which this letter is attached as an exhibit (such registration statement, including the documents incorporated by reference therein, the "**Registration Statement**") filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "**SEC**") pursuant to the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "**US Securities Act**"). For the purposes of this letter, the ordinary shares in the share capital of the Company each having a nominal value of £0.002 are referred to as "**Ordinary Shares**".

As set out in the Registration Statement, it is proposed that an aggregate of up to 5,690,602 Ordinary Shares (the "**Shares**") will be allotted and issued upon the exercise or settlement of equity awards granted under: (i) the Amended and Restated Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc 2021 Share Award Plan as adopted by the board of directors of the Company (the "**Board**") on 20 May 2021 and approved by the Company's shareholders on 20 May 2021 (the "**2021 Plan**"); and (ii) the Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc 2021 Employee Share Purchase Plan as adopted by the Board on 20 May 2021 and approved by the Company's shareholders on 20 May 2021 (the "**2021 ESPP**") (collectively, the "**Plans**" and each, a "**Plan**").

We understand that the existing issued Ordinary Shares are not, and are not intended to be, admitted to trading on any market or exchange, or otherwise listed, in the United Kingdom.

**1.** **INTRODUCTION** 

1.1 **Purpose** 

In connection with the preparation and filing of a registration statement on Form S-8, we have been asked to provide opinions on certain matters, as set out below. We have taken instruction in this regard solely from the Company.

1.2 **Defined terms and headings** 

In this letter:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) capitalised terms used without definition in this letter or the schedules hereto have the meanings assigned
to them in the Registration Statement unless a contrary indication appears; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) headings are for ease of reference only and shall not affect interpretation.

Goodwin Procter (UK) LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC362294. Its registered office is at 100 Cheapside, London, EC2V 6DY. A list of the names of the members of Goodwin Procter (UK) LLP is available for inspection at the registered office. Goodwin Procter (UK) LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Goodwin Procter (UK) LLP is affiliated with Goodwin Procter LLP, which operates in the United States of America.

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![LOGO](g415945g0329041143155.jpg)

30 March 2023

1.3 **Legal review** 

For the purpose of issuing this letter, we have examined such questions of law as we have considered appropriate. We have reviewed the following documents and conducted only the following enquiries and searches:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) an online search at Companies House in respect of information available for inspection on the Company's
file conducted on 30 March 2023 at 10:00 am (UK time);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) an enquiry of the Central Index of Winding Up Petitions, London on 30 March 2023 at 10:00 am (UK time);
((a) and (b) together, the "**Searches** ");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) a certificate dated 30 March 2023 signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the
" **Certificate**") relating to certain factual matters as at the date of the Certificate and having annexed thereto copies (certified by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company as being true, complete, accurate and up-to-date in each case) of the following documents:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;i. a copy of the print of the resolutions passed by the shareholders of the Company at a general meeting held
on 20 May 2021, approving, *inter alia,* the allotment of shares by the directors or a committee of the directors, or the granting of rights to subscribe for, or to convert any security into, shares on a non-pre-emptive basis up to an aggregate nominal amount of £305,000 and the adoption of the Plans by the Company (the "**Shareholder Resolutions** ");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ii. a copy of the minutes of a meeting of the board of directors of the Company dated 20 May 2021 pursuant
to which it was resolved, *inter alia*, to approve the Plans (the "**Board Minutes** ");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;iii. a copy of the consent of an Investor Majority (as defined in the Articles (as defined below)) dated
20 May 2021, pursuant to which an Investor Majority approved, *inter alia*, the adoption of the Plans (the "**Investor Majority Consent** ");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;iv. a copy of the prior articles of association of the Company adopted pursuant to a special resolution dated
10 May 2021 (the "**Articles** ");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;v. copies of (a) the certificate of incorporation of the Company dated 26 October 2020 and
(b) the certificate of incorporation on re-registration of the Company as a public limited company dated 14 May 2021; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;vi. a copy of the articles of association of the Company adopted on 2 June 2021 pursuant to a special
resolution passed pursuant to the Shareholder Resolutions (the "**IPO Articles** ");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) a copy of each Plan; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) a copy of the Registration Statement in the form to be filed with the SEC on the date hereof,

(together, the "**Documents**").

We express an opinion in respect of the Company and the issuance of Shares only as expressly specified in this opinion letter. We express no opinion as to any agreement, instrument or document other than the Documents and then only as expressly specified in this letter.

1.4 **Applicable law** 

This letter, the opinions given in it, and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with this letter and/or the opinions given in it, are governed by, and to be construed in accordance with, English law as in force on the date of this opinion and relate only to English law as applied by the English courts, as at today's date. In particular:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) we have not investigated the laws of any country other than England and we express no opinion in this letter
on the laws of any jurisdiction other than England and we assume that no foreign law affects any of the opinions given below. It is assumed that no foreign law which may apply to the matters contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Company,
any document or any other matter contemplated by any document would or might affect this letter and/or the opinions given in it; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) we do not undertake or accept any obligation to update this letter and/or the opinions given in it to
reflect subsequent changes in English law or factual matters.

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![LOGO](g415945g0329041143155.jpg)

30 March 2023

It should be understood that we have not been responsible for investigating or verifying the accuracy of any facts or the reasonableness of any statement of opinion or intention contained in or relevant to any Document.

1.5 **Assumptions and reservations** 

The opinions given in this letter are given on the basis of each of the assumptions set out in schedule 1 (*Assumptions*) to this letter and are subject to each of the reservations set out in schedule 2 (*Reservations*) to this letter. The opinions given in this letter are strictly limited to the matters stated in paragraph 2 (*Opinion*) below and do not extend, and should not be read as extending, by implication or otherwise, to any other matters.

**2.** **OPINION** 

Subject to paragraph 1 (*Introduction*) and the other matters set out in this letter and its schedules, and subject further to the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a) the Registration Statement becoming effective under the US Securities Act;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b) the delegation of authority to the compensation committee of the Board (the "**Compensation Committee**") as set out in the Board Minutes having been validly effected (*inter alia*, in accordance with the Articles, the Companies Act 2006 as amended (the "**Companies Act**") and the Plans);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c) the Board and the shareholders of the Company having validly approved the Plans;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d) the Board or the Compensation Committee having validly resolved to allot and issue the Shares, or grant
rights to subscribe for the Shares, at a duly convened and quorate meeting of the Board or the Compensation Committee or by way of duly passed written resolutions of the Board or the Compensation Committee in compliance with the Plans, all
applicable laws and regulations and such resolutions being in full force and effect and not having been rescinded or amended;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e) that the Shareholder Resolutions were each passed at a meeting which was duly convened and held in
accordance with all applicable laws and regulations (including as to quorum);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;f) that the resolutions in the Board Minutes were each passed pursuant to the terms of the Articles and the
Companies Act (in each case, as applicable);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;g) the receipt in full of payment for the Shares in an amount of "cash consideration" (as defined in
section 583(3) of the Companies Act) of not less than the aggregate nominal value for such Shares; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;h) valid entries having been made in relation to the allotment and issue of the Shares in the books and
registers of the Company,

it is our opinion that, as at today's date, insofar as English law is concerned and provided that all future actions, authorisations and approvals as described in paragraph 2 will have been taken, obtained and/or complied with, then the Shares, if and when allotted and issued, registered in the name of the recipient in the register of members of the Company and delivered in accordance with the terms and conditions referred to in the Plans and as described in the Registration Statement, will be duly and validly authorised and issued, fully paid or credited as fully paid (subject to the receipt of valid consideration by the Company for the issue thereof) and will not be subject to any call for payment of further capital.

**3.** **EXTENT OF OPINIONS** 

We express no opinion as to any agreement, instrument or other document other than as specified in this letter or as to any liability to tax or duty which may arise or be suffered as a result of or in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Plans.

This letter only applies to those facts and circumstances which exist as at today's date and we assume no obligation or responsibility to update or supplement this letter to reflect any facts or circumstances which may subsequently come to our attention, any changes in laws which may occur after today, or to inform the addressee of any change in circumstances happening after the date of this letter which would alter our opinion.

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![LOGO](g415945g0329041143155.jpg)

30 March 2023

**4.** **DISCLOSURE AND RELIANCE** 

This letter is addressed to you in connection with the Registration Statement. We consent to the filing of this letter with the SEC as an exhibit to the Registration Statement in accordance with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the US Securities Act. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under section 7 of the US Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder.

Other than for the purpose set out in the prior paragraph, this letter may not be relied upon, or assigned, for any purpose, without our prior written consent, which may be granted or withheld in our discretion.

Yours faithfully

*/s/* Goodwin Procter (UK) LLP

**Goodwin Procter (UK) LLP** 

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![LOGO](g415945g0329041143155.jpg)

30 March 2023

**SCHEDULE 1** 

**ASSUMPTIONS** 

The opinions in this letter have been given on the basis of the following assumptions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the genuineness of all signatures (including electronic signatures), stamps and seals on all documents, the
authenticity and completeness of all documents submitted to us as originals, and the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as certified, electronic, photostatic or facsimile copies and the authenticity of the originals of
such latter documents;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) that, where a document has been examined by us in draft or specimen form, it will be or has been duly
executed in the form of that draft or specimen, and that each of the signed documents examined by us has been duly executed and, where applicable, delivered on behalf of the Company;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) that there is no agreement or arrangement which modifies, supersedes or is inconsistent with any Document;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) that the IPO Articles referred to in paragraph 1.3(c) of this letter remain in full force and effect and no
alteration has been made or will be made to such articles of association prior to the date of the allotment and issue of the Shares (the "**Allotment Date** ");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) on the Allotment Date the Company will comply with all applicable laws to allot and issue the Shares and the
Company will receive such amounts as are necessary to fully pay the nominal value of the Shares and any applicable share premium;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) that any allotment and issue of Shares which occurs after the date of this opinion is done in accordance
with the terms and limits prescribed by the Shareholder Resolutions, the resolutions in the Board Minutes and any other restrictions imposed by either the Board, the Compensation Committee or the members of the Company after the date of this letter,
including such other shareholder resolutions relating to the Company passed the members of the Company after the date of this letter;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) that the Plans have been validly adopted, remain in full force and effect and no alteration has been made or
will be made to the Plans prior to an Allotment Date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) that all documents, forms and notices which should have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies in
respect of the Company have been so delivered, that information revealed by the Searches was complete and accurate in all respects and has not, since the time of the Searches, been altered and that the results of the Searches will remain complete
and accurate as at the date of the Registration Statement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) that the contents of the Certificate were true and not misleading when given and remain true and not
misleading as at the date of this letter and there is no fact or matter not referred to in the Certificate which could make any of the information in the Certificate inaccurate or misleading;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) that the resolutions set out in the Shareholder Resolutions and the resolutions of the directors of the
Company provided to us in connection with the giving of this opinion and as referred to in paragraph 1.3(c) of this letter or otherwise contemplated in connection with the matters referred to herein were duly passed, all constitutional, statutory
and other formalities were observed in relation to such resolutions and such resolutions have not been revoked or varied and remain in full force and effect and will remain so as at the Allotment Date and that, prior to the Allotment Date, the
Company has not allotted shares or granted rights to subscribe for, or to convert any security into, shares pursuant to the Shareholder Resolutions which would, when aggregated with any other allotment of Shares by the Company (whether before or
after the date of this letter), result in the directors exceeding the limits set out in the Shareholder Resolutions;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) that in relation to the allotment and issue of the Shares, the directors of the Company have acted and will
act in the manner required by section 172 of the Companies Act (Duty to promote the success of the Company), and there has not been and will not be any bad faith, breach of trust, fraud, coercion, duress or undue influence on the part of any of the
directors of the Company;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) in relation to any allotment and issue of any Shares by the Company pursuant to the Plans, that the
recipient will have become entitled to such Shares under the terms of the relevant Plan such Shares or rights over Shares will, where applicable, be fully vested each in accordance with the terms of the relevant Plan and such recipient has or will
have complied with all other requirements of the relevant Plan in connection with the allotment and issue of such Shares;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) that all awards have been made under the terms of the relevant Plan, that the terms of all awards have not
materially deviated from the terms set out in the relevant Plan and that any Shares will be allotted and issued in accordance with the terms set out in the relevant Plan and in accordance with the IPO Articles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n) that no Shares or rights to subscribe for Shares have been or shall be offered to the public in the United
Kingdom in breach of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 ()"**FSMA**") or of any other United Kingdom laws or regulations concerning offers of securities to the public, and no communication has been or shall be made in relation
to the Shares in breach of section 21 of the FSMA or any other United Kingdom laws or regulations relating to offers or invitations to subscribe for, or to acquire rights to subscribe for or otherwise acquire, shares or other securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(o) that the Company has not taken any corporate or other action nor have any steps been taken or legal
proceedings been started against the Company for the liquidation, winding up, dissolution, reorganisation or bankruptcy of, or for the appointment of a liquidator, receiver, trustee, administrator, administrative receiver or similar officer of, the
Company or all or any of its assets (or any analogous proceedings in any jurisdiction) and the Company is not unable to pay its debts as they fall due within the meaning of section 123 of the Insolvency Act 1986 and will not become unable to pay its
debts within the meaning of that section as a result of any of the transactions contemplated herein, is not insolvent and has not been dissolved or declared bankrupt (although the Searches gave no indication that any winding-up, dissolution or administration order or appointment of a receiver, administrator, administrative receiver or similar officer has been made with respect to the Company); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(p) the Company is not, nor will be, engaging in criminal, misleading, deceptive or unconscionable conduct or
seeking to conduct any relevant transaction or any associated activity in a manner or for a purpose which might render any transaction contemplated under any corporate approvals or any associated activity illegal, void or voidable.

------

![LOGO](g415945g0329041143155.jpg)

30 March 2023

**SCHEDULE 2** 

**RESERVATIONS** 

The opinions in this letter are subject to the following reservations:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the Searches are not capable of revealing conclusively whether or not a winding-up or administration petition or order has been presented or made, a receiver appointed, a company voluntary arrangement proposed or approved or any other insolvency proceeding commenced, and the
available records may not be complete or up-to-date. In particular, the Central Registry of Winding-Up Petitions in England may
not contain details of administration applications filed, or appointments recorded in or orders made by, district registries and county courts outside London. Searches at Companies House and at the Central Registry of Winding Up Petitions in England
are not capable of revealing whether or not a winding up petition or a petition for the making of an administration order has been presented and, further, notice of a winding up order or resolution, notice of an administration order and notice of
the appointment of a receiver may not be filed at Companies House immediately and there may be a delay in the relevant notice appearing on the file of the company concerned. Further, not all security interests are registrable, such security

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) the opinions set out in this letter are subject to: (i) any limitations arising from applicable laws
relating to insolvency, bankruptcy, administration, reorganisation, liquidation, moratoria, schemes or analogous circumstances; and (ii) an English court exercising its discretion under section 426 of the Insolvency Act 1986 (*co-operation between courts exercising jurisdiction in relation to insolvency*) to assist the courts having the corresponding jurisdiction in any part of the United Kingdom or any relevant country or territory;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) if any agreement is entered into for a purpose prohibited by sections 678 and 679 of the Companies Act 2006,
it will be void;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) we express no opinion as to matters of fact;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) we express no opinion as to taxation matters;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) save for the matters set out in the Certificate, we have made no enquiries of any individual connected with
the Company and have relied entirely on the facts, statements and confirmations contained in the Certificate and we have not undertaken any independent investigation or verification of the matters referred to in the Certificate;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) a certificate, documentation, notification, opinion or the like might be held by the English courts not to
be conclusive if it can be shown to have an unreasonable or arbitrary basis or in the event of a manifest error; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) it should be understood that we have not been responsible for investigating or verifying: (i) the
accuracy of the facts, including statements of foreign law, or the reasonableness of any statements of opinion, contained in the Registration Statement; or (ii) that no material facts have been omitted from it.

## Exhibit 23.1

**Exhibit 23.1** 

**Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm** 

We consent to the use of our report dated March 30, 2023, with respect to the consolidated and combined financial statements of Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc and the Centessa Predecessor Group, incorporated herein by reference.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

March 30, 2023

## Ex-Filing

**Exhibit 107.1** 

**CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE** 

<u>Form S-8</u> 

(Form Type)

**<u>Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc</u>**

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Newly Registered Securities

---

| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Security Type | Security<br> Class<br> Title(1) | Fee<br> Calculation<br> Rule | Amount<br>Registered(2) | Proposed<br>Maximum<br>Offering<br>Price Per<br> Share(5) | Maximum<br> Aggregate<br>Offering<br> Price | Fee<br> Rate | Amount of<br>Registration<br>Fee |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Equity | Ordinary shares, nominal value £0.002 per share |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Equity | — reserved for issuance pursuant to the Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc 2021 Share Option and Incentive Plan | Rule 457(c) and Rule 457(h) | 4742169 (3) | $3.89 | $18447037.41 | 0.00011020 | $2032.86 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Equity | — reserved for issuance pursuant to the Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc 2021 Employee Share Purchase Plan | Rule 457(c) and Rule 457(h) | 948433 (4) | $3.89 | $3689404.37 | 0.00011020 | $406.57 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Offering Amounts | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Offering Amounts | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Offering Amounts | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Offering Amounts |  | $22136441.78 |  | $2439.43 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Fee Offsets | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Fee Offsets | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Fee Offsets | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Fee Offsets |  |  |  | $0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net Fee Due | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net Fee Due | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net Fee Due | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net Fee Due |  |  |  | $2439.43 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) These shares may be represented by the American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") of Centessa
Pharmaceuticals plc (the "Registrant"). Each ADS represents one Ordinary Share, nominal value £0.002 per share. ADSs issuable upon deposit of the Ordinary Shares registered hereby were registered pursuant to a separate Registration
Statement on Form F-6 (File No. 333-256385).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), this
Registration Statement shall also cover any additional Ordinary Shares of the Registrant which become issuable under the above-named plans by reason of any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization, anti-dilution or any other similar transaction
effected without the receipt of consideration which results in an increase in the number of the Registrant's outstanding Ordinary Shares. Pursuant to Rule 416(c) under the Securities Act, this Registration Statement shall also cover an
indeterminate amount of interests to be offered or sold pursuant to the employee benefit plans described herein. In accordance with Rule 457(h)(2), no separate fee calculation is made for plan interests.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Represents an automatic increase to the number of Ordinary Shares available for issuance under the
Registrant's 2021 Share Option and Incentive Plan (the "2021 Plan") effective as of January 1, 2023. Ordinary Shares available for issuance under the 2021 Plan were previously registered on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 11, 2021 (Registration No. 333- 257027) and July 1, 2022 (Registration No. 333-265977).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) Represents an automatic increase to the number of shares available for issuance under the Registrant's
2021 Employee Share Purchase Plan (the "2021 ESPP") effective as of January 1, 2023. Shares available for issuance under the 2021 ESPP were previously registered on Form S-8 filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on June 11, 2021 (Registration No. 333- 257027) and July 1, 2022 (Registration No. 333-265977).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(c) and (h)(1) of
the Securities Act, and based on $3.89, the average of the high and low sale prices of the of the Registrant's common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on March 15, 2023.