Vicebio, a UK-based biotech startup, has successfully raised $100 million in a Series B funding round led by TCGX to advance its innovative vaccine candidates targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV). The funding will primarily support the advancement of VXB-241, a bivalent vaccine targeting both RSV and hMPV, into Phase I clinical trials. Initial data from the Phase I study is anticipated by mid-2025.
The Series B round saw participation from Goldman Sachs Alternatives, Avoro Ventures, venBio, UniQuest, and founding investor Medicxi. This financial boost will also facilitate the development of VXB-251, a trivalent vaccine designed to protect against RSV, hMPV, and parainfluenza virus 3 (PIV3).
Molecular Clamp Technology
Both VXB-241 and VXB-251 leverage Vicebio’s proprietary Molecular Clamp platform, co-developed by Keith Chappell at The University of Queensland. This technology stabilizes viral glycoproteins in their prefusion conformation, thereby enhancing the immune system's response. According to the company, the Molecular Clamp platform is applicable to a wide range of viruses, including RSV, hMPV, parainfluenza virus, influenza, and coronaviruses, as demonstrated in preclinical and clinical studies.
Clinical Development and Competitive Landscape
The Phase I clinical trial (NCT06556147) of VXB-241 will evaluate four dose levels in up to 136 subjects. The primary endpoint is safety and tolerability, with immunogenicity as a secondary endpoint. The trial aims to provide comprehensive data on the vaccine's potential to elicit a robust immune response against RSV and hMPV.
Vicebio is entering a competitive landscape, with established pharmaceutical companies like GSK, Pfizer and Moderna having already launched RSV vaccines. GSK secured the first FDA approval for an adult RSV vaccine, Arexvy, in May 2023, followed by Pfizer’s Abrysvo and Moderna’s mRESVIA. However, Vicebio aims to differentiate itself by offering combination vaccines that target multiple respiratory viruses simultaneously. Currently, no approved vaccines target both RSV and hMPV, giving Vicebio a unique position in the market.
Vicebio will be competing against AstraZeneca’s RSV and hMPV combo vaccine IVX-A12, acquired as part of the Icosavax acquisition. While AstraZeneca has indicated that IVX-A12 is Phase III ready, a pivotal trial has yet to be initiated.
Leadership Perspective
Vicebio’s chairman, Giovanni Mariggi, stated, “Vicebio has made significant progress in developing its Molecular Clamp platform and successfully advanced VXB-241 which offers unmatched vaccine coverage against respiratory viruses.”
The expansion of Vicebio’s Board of Directors to include Cariad Chester from TCGX, Colin Walsh from Goldman Sachs, and Mark Chin from Avoro Ventures reflects the company’s growth and the confidence of its investors.
