Vicebio, a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing next-generation vaccines for life-threatening respiratory viral infections, announced the completion of a $100 million Series B financing round. Led by TCGX, the round saw participation from Goldman Sachs Alternatives, Avoro Ventures, venBio, UniQuest, and founding investor Medicxi.
The company is utilizing its proprietary Molecular Clamp technology, developed at The University of Queensland, to create vaccines that stabilize viral glycoproteins in their highly immunogenic ‘prefusion’ state, crucial for inducing robust immune responses. The technology enables the production of effective vaccines that are easy to manufacture and can be delivered in prefilled syringes, targeting viruses such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV), and Coronaviruses, among others.
Vicebio recently initiated a Phase I clinical trial for its lead candidate, VXB-241, a bivalent vaccine targeting RSV and hMPV. This vaccine addresses a critical unmet need, particularly for elderly and immunocompromised patients, as no commercially available vaccine currently exists for these viruses. Results from the trial are expected in mid-2025. The financing will also support the development of Vicebio’s broader pipeline, including VXB-251, a trivalent vaccine targeting RSV, hMPV, and Parainfluenza Virus 3 (PIV3).
Dr. Emmanuel Hanon, CEO of Vicebio, expressed confidence in the technology’s potential, stating, “This investment highlights the promise of our Molecular Clamp platform in addressing respiratory viral infections.”
TCGX Managing Partner Cariad Chester added, “We are excited to partner with Vicebio in translating this breakthrough science into transformative vaccines for public health.”
With this significant funding, Vicebio is well-positioned to advance its clinical programs and bring its innovative vaccines to market, addressing a critical need for protection against respiratory pathogens.
