Leyden Labs, a Dutch biotech company, has announced the successful closure of a $70 million funding round to advance its innovative Mucosal Protection Platform. This platform focuses on developing intranasally administered, broadly protective antibodies to combat respiratory viruses, including influenza and coronaviruses. The funding will primarily support human efficacy studies of its lead candidate, PanFlu, a nasal spray containing the monoclonal antibody CR9114.
Funding and Investment
The financing round was co-led by ClavystBio and Polaris Partners, with additional backing from Qiming Venture Partners and existing investors. The company's diverse syndicate now includes GV (formerly Google Ventures), Casdin Capital, F-Prime Capital, ClavystBio, Polaris Partners, Qiming Venture Partners, Invus, Byers Capital/Brook Byers, Bluebird Ventures, and Softbank Vision Fund 2.
PanFlu: A Novel Approach to Influenza Prophylaxis
Proceeds from this funding will enable Leyden Labs to initiate human efficacy studies of its lead candidate PanFlu. PanFlu contains the monoclonal antibody CR9114, which has demonstrated protection against influenza in preclinical models. The nasal spray is designed for self-administration, offering individuals a rapid means of protection against infection and potential transmission.
Koenraad Wiedhaup, co-founder and chief executive officer of Leyden Labs, stated, "At Leyden Labs, we’re working to stop infections early by delivering antibody-based formulations directly to the nasal mucosa – eliminating the threat of respiratory viruses directly at the very gate through which they enter." He added, "The timing of this fundraising is critical – in light of recent avian flu (H5N1) developments, we feel even more urgency to execute on our mission to protect people against existing and new viruses."
Acquisition of CoV Biotechnology
Leyden Labs also announced its acquisition of CoV Biotechnology Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based biotech company with assets developed by Linfa Wang, a professor of emerging infectious diseases at Duke-NUS Medical School. This strategic move enhances Leyden Labs’ pandemic preparedness efforts and strengthens its collaborative initiatives in Asia.
Addressing Unmet Needs in Respiratory Virus Protection
Leyden Labs aims to play a significant role in combating avian influenza and other pandemic threats. Their approach focuses on delivering antibody-based treatments directly to the nasal mucosa, where respiratory viruses typically enter the body. This strategy seeks to offer comprehensive protection against both current and emerging respiratory threats, aiming to provide a versatile alternative to traditional vaccines. The company's emphasis on mucosal immunity as a preventive strategy aligns with broader industry trends toward more localized and accessible antiviral treatments.
Khoo Shih, CEO of ClavystBio, stated, "We are pleased to partner with Leyden Labs to advance the mission of protecting the world from the burden of known and new respiratory viruses."
