Vicebio announced $100 million Series B financing and the initiation of a Phase I clinical study of RSV/hMPV bivalent vaccine in September 2024. The financing is led by TCGX with investment from Goldman Sachs Alternatives, Avoro Ventures, and venBio, with participation from UniQuest and founding investor Medicxi. The funding will support and accelerate the development of vaccines based on Molecular Clamp technology, discovered at The University of Queensland.
Molecular Clamp technology
Vicebio’s next-generation vaccines for respiratory viruses are based on the proprietary Molecular Clamp technology from The University of Queensland. This technology “uniquely stabilises” viral glycoproteins in their immunogenic prefusion conformation, which is “crucial for eliciting strong protective immune responses”. The approach enables the production of “highly effective” vaccines that are easy to manufacture and can be available in ready-to-use prefilled syringes.
The technology has applications for a range of viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), parainfluenza virus, influenza, and coronaviruses. This has been confirmed by “promising” preclinical and clinical studies.
Vicebio has recently initiated a Phase I clinical trial of VXB-241, a bivalent vaccine that targets both RSV and hMPV. These viruses cause a “significant burden of disease” in elderly patients and those with weakened immune systems. There is no commercially available vaccine for RSV and hMPV. The initial clinical readouts of the study are expected mid 2025.
Cutting-edge science
Dr Emmanuel Hanon, Chief Executive Officer of Vicebio, expressed enthusiasm for the latest interest.
“The support from these high-calibre investors underscores the robust data package we have generated for VXB-241, highlighting the significant potential of our proprietary Molecular Clamp technology to develop next-generation vaccines against respiratory viruses.”
Managing Partner at TCGX, Cariad Chester, emphasised TCGX’s dedication to supporting the “translation of cutting-edge science into transformative medicines”.
“We are thrilled to partner with Vicebio. This is a highly experienced team with a breakthrough technology to address a critical public health need. Vicebio has a unique capability to advance vaccine products that simultaneously provide robust immune responses against multiple respiratory pathogens.”
Cariad Chester will be included on the Vicebio Board of Directors and looks forward to working with the team to “bring these important vaccines to the market”. Dr Giovanni Mariggi, Chair of Vicebio and Partner at Medicxi, identified the “significant progress” Vicebio has made in developing the Molecular Clamp platform and advancing VXB-241 with “unmatched vaccine coverage”.
“We are pleased to welcome TCGX, Goldman Sachs, Avoro Ventures, and venBio to the syndicate to support the fight against life-threatening respiratory viral infections.”
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