In a significant move within the biotechnology sector, Vicebio, a London-based startup, has successfully secured $100 million in Series B financing aimed at revolutionizing vaccine production. This funding will bolster the company’s efforts to develop innovative vaccines that are not only effective but also cost-efficient to manufacture.
The Series B funding round, announced on September 23, 2024, was spearheaded by TCGX, with participation from notable investors including Goldman Sachs Alternatives, Avoro Ventures, and the founding investor Medicxi. This fresh influx of capital will propel Vicebio’s ongoing projects, particularly a promising combination vaccine targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus, which has recently entered Phase 1 clinical trials.
At the heart of Vicebio’s technology is a novel approach known as the “molecular clamp.” This innovative method focuses on viral proteins in their “prefusion” conformation, allowing the company to enhance the immune response while circumventing a traditionally cumbersome manufacturing step. According to CEO Emmanuel Hanon, this breakthrough not only simplifies the production process but also positions Vicebio to deliver vaccines at a more affordable price point.
The urgency for new vaccines has only intensified in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite a recent decline in demand for COVID-19 shots. The healthcare community continues to seek effective solutions to combat respiratory infections. Major pharmaceutical companies, including GSK, Pfizer, and Moderna, have recently launched vaccines targeting RSV, a virus known to cause severe complications in infants and older adults. There is also a growing focus on enhancing existing vaccines for influenza and pneumococcal disease, with many companies exploring combination vaccines to address the seasonal overlap of respiratory infections.
Vicebio is strategically positioning itself to capitalize on these emerging opportunities while addressing existing gaps in the vaccine market. The startup aims to develop vaccines against a broad spectrum of respiratory viruses, including parainfluenza and human metapneumovirus, which currently lack available vaccines. Furthermore, Vicebio is working on an RSV vaccine that promises broader coverage compared to existing options, and its design will allow for administration via a single, pre-filled syringe, eliminating the need for multiple vials that require reconstitution.
The overarching goal of Vicebio is to create the most cost-effective vaccines possible, which could ultimately lead to preferential recommendations from public health authorities. By focusing on affordability and accessibility, Vicebio hopes to make a significant impact in the field of infectious disease prevention.
As the landscape of vaccine development continues to evolve, Vicebio’s innovative approach and substantial financial backing position it as a key player in the fight against respiratory infections. The biotechnology sector is keenly watching how this startup will navigate the challenges of vaccine production and distribution, particularly in a post-pandemic world where the demand for effective and affordable vaccines remains high.
