Vicebio Secures $100 Million for Innovative Vaccine Technology
Amsterdam, Monday, 23 September 2024.
UK-based Vicebio raises $100 million in Series B funding to advance its molecular clamp vaccine technology, targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV). This breakthrough could reshape the $70 billion respiratory vaccine market by 2024.
The Technology Behind the Innovation
Vicebio’s molecular clamp technology is a groundbreaking approach in the field of vaccine development. Unlike traditional vaccine platforms such as mRNA or viral vector vaccines, the molecular clamp technology directly presents stabilized viral proteins to the immune system. This method stabilizes viral surface proteins in their prefusion state, which enhances immune response due to the highly immunogenic ‘prefusion’ conformation. The technology originates from research at the University of Queensland, focusing on retaining viral protein structure for optimal immune recognition.
The Potential Impact on Public Health
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) pose significant threats to vulnerable populations, including young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. The development of an effective vaccine could substantially reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with these viruses. Vicebio’s lead multivalent vaccine candidate targets both RSV and hMPV, aiming to provide broad protection against these respiratory threats. Given the high unmet medical need, this innovation is crucial for addressing multiple respiratory threats simultaneously.
Funding and Market Projections
Vicebio’s successful $100 million Series B funding round was led by TCGX, with significant investments from Goldman Sachs, Alternatives, Avoro Ventures, venBio, UniQuest, and founding investor Medicxi. This substantial financial backing underscores the confidence investors have in Vicebio’s technology and its potential market impact. The global market for respiratory vaccines is projected to reach nearly $70 billion by 2024, driven by the rising prevalence of respiratory diseases and ongoing technological advancements. This funding will enable Vicebio to conduct first-in-human clinical trials for its bivalent vaccine targeting RSV and hMPV, with interim analysis expected by mid-2025.
Challenges and Next Steps
Vicebio’s journey has not been without challenges. The company previously faced setbacks during COVID-19 vaccine development due to false-positive HIV test results. However, CEO Emmanuel Hannon explained that the new version of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, based on the second generation, was shown to be highly competitive versus the Novavax vaccine in booster human clinical trials last year. Moving forward, Vicebio plans to develop both bivalent and trivalent vaccines targeting RSV, hMPV, and PIV3. Clinical trials for the trivalent vaccine will commence after mid-2025, contingent on prior trial results.
Conclusion
The advancement of molecular clamp technology by Vicebio represents a significant leap forward in the field of respiratory vaccines. By securing $100 million in Series B funding, Vicebio is well-positioned to conduct crucial clinical trials and bring its innovative vaccines to market. If successful, these vaccines could provide comprehensive protection against multiple respiratory viruses, addressing a critical need in global public health. The ongoing support from prominent investors highlights the potential of Vicebio’s technology to reshape the respiratory vaccine market and improve health outcomes for millions of people worldwide.