Vicebio Secures $100M Series B Funding and Begins Phase 1 RSV/hMPV Vaccine Study

Vicebio Ltd, a biopharmaceutical company based in London, has announced a successful $100 million Series B financing round. This financing was spearheaded by TCGX, with additional investments from Goldman Sachs Alternatives, Avoro Ventures, venBio, UniQuest, and founding investor Medicxi. The funds will primarily be used to expedite the development of Vicebio’s next-generation multivalent respiratory virus vaccines, which employ their proprietary Molecular Clamp technology.

The Molecular Clamp technology, developed at The University of Queensland, allows for the stabilization of viral glycoproteins in their 'prefusion' form, a configuration highly effective in triggering strong immune responses. This stabilization is crucial for the creation of highly effective vaccines that are also easy to manufacture and can be distributed in prefilled syringes, ready for immediate use. This technology shows promise against a variety of viruses, including Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV), Parainfluenza, Influenza, and Coronaviruses, as evidenced by preclinical and clinical studies.

Vicebio’s lead candidate, VXB-241, is a bivalent vaccine designed to target both RSV and hMPV. These viruses pose significant health risks, particularly to the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. Currently, no commercial vaccines are available for RSV and hMPV. The company has recently launched a Phase I clinical trial for VXB-241, with initial results anticipated by mid-2025. The recent funding will also support the advancement of Vicebio’s broader vaccine pipeline, including VXB-251, a trivalent vaccine addressing RSV, hMPV, and Parainfluenza Virus 3 (PIV3).

Dr. Emmanuel Hanon, CEO of Vicebio, highlighted the importance of the new investment to the company’s mission, saying that the support from esteemed investors validates the robust data they've gathered for VXB-241 and underscores the potential of their Molecular Clamp technology in developing next-generation vaccines. He emphasized the critical public health need for vaccines addressing multiple respiratory pathogens.

Cariad Chester, Managing Partner at TCGX, expressed her excitement about partnering with Vicebio, stating that TCGX is committed to translating innovative science into transformative medicines. She praised Vicebio’s experienced team and their breakthrough technology, which holds the potential to address significant public health issues.

Dr. Giovanni Mariggi, Chairman of Vicebio and Partner at Medicxi, commended the company’s progress with the Molecular Clamp platform and VXB-241. He welcomed the new investors, emphasizing their crucial role in combating life-threatening respiratory viral infections.

With the new funding, Vicebio’s Board of Directors will expand to include representatives from the investing entities. This includes Cariad Chester from TCGX, Colin Walsh from Goldman Sachs, and Mark Chin from Avoro Ventures.

Founded with investment from Medicxi, Vicebio secured the rights to the Molecular Clamp technology through a license from UniQuest, the commercialization arm of The University of Queensland. The technology was developed by professors Paul Young, Daniel Watterson, and Keith Chappell at the university.

Vicebio's focus on respiratory virus vaccines positions it at the forefront of addressing unmet medical needs in this critical area. The substantial investment underscores confidence in the company’s innovative approach and its potential to deliver impactful vaccines to market.