UK biotech startup raises $100M for next-gen vaccines for respiratory viruses

The vaccine market might be a crowded one, but London-based Vicebio aspires to cement its own place within it. The startup announced today it has raised $100mn in Series B funding for the development of its next-generation vaccines for respiratory viruses.

Vicebio aims to deliver vaccines that are highly effective, easy to manufacture, and ready-to-use in prefilled syringes. The key to achieving this result lies in using a novel approach called molecular clamp technology.

The technology was first invented by Paul Young, Daniel Watterson, Keith Chappell, and their research groups at The University of Queensland in Australia. It is licensed exclusively to Vicebio through Uniquest, the university’s commercialisation arm.

According to the startup, molecular clamping has the ability to “lock” proteins on the surface of viruses in their “perfusion” shape, before they’ve latched onto cells.

This effect can stimulate a stronger immune response. It could also enable the startup to simplify the manufacturing process, potentially making its vaccines more cost-effective.

Vaccines for multiple virus strains

Vicebio will direct part of the funding to support a Phase 1 clinical trial it recently launched for its first vaccine, called VXB-241. The vaccine targets both the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and the Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV), which particularly affect the elderly and patients with weak immune systems.

The company will also use the funding to expand its vaccine portfolio. This includes the development of another combo vaccine, targeting RSV, hMPV and Parainfluenza Virus 3 (PIV3).

Medtech VC firm TCGX led the financing round with participation from Goldman Sachs Alternatives, Avoro Ventures, venBio, Uniquest, and founding investor Medicxi.

Vicebio’s focus on easy-to-make, multivalent vaccines (those that target multiple virus strains at the same time) could potentially provide the startup with an edge in a highly congested market.

This is especially the case for its VXB-241 vaccine, as there is currently no commercially available shot that targets both RSV and hMPV. However, it will have to compete with AstraZeneca’s recently acquired Icosavax.

Icosavax has progressed to Phase 2 with its own RSV/hMPV vaccine. Vicebio expects the results of VXB-241’s Phase 1 in mid-2025.