In a challenging period for biotech investment, Vivo Capital has successfully secured over $740 million in commitments for the third cycle of its Vivo Opportunity Fund. The global investment firm, which focuses exclusively on healthcare and life sciences, will continue its strategy of backing preclinical and clinical-stage companies developing novel therapies for unmet medical needs.
The funding announcement comes at a critical time for the biotech sector, which has experienced a significant downturn in venture capital funding. According to GlobalData, biopharma drug company venture financing saw a 20.2% decrease in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with funding reaching only $6.5 billion versus $8.1 billion the previous year.
Fund Structure and Investment Strategy
The Vivo Opportunity Fund operates as an evergreen fund with three-year investment cycles, differentiating it from traditional fixed-lifespan funds. This structure allows for periodic investments while maintaining a consistent strategy. The third cycle will follow the same approach as its predecessors, utilizing Vivo's scientific and technical expertise to invest in small- and mid-cap biotechnology and life sciences companies.
Kevin Dai, Managing Director at Vivo Capital, explained the fund's approach: "The third cycle of the Vivo Opportunity Fund brings a venture capital mindset to the public markets, combining our long-term capital with our deep industry knowledge and experience to capture value for our investors. This strategy supports our approach of looking for the best opportunities across the entire healthcare spectrum."
Track Record of Success
The first two cycles of the Vivo Opportunity Fund have demonstrated impressive results, backing companies that achieved significant regulatory milestones or became acquisition targets for major pharmaceutical companies.
Recent FDA approvals for Vivo-backed companies include:
- Verona Pharmaceuticals' Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (June 2024)
- Geron Corporation's RYTELO for low-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (2024)
- Avadel Pharmaceuticals' Lumryz for narcolepsy (2023)
- Soleno Therapeutics' VYKAT XR for Prader-Willi Syndrome (March 2025) – notably the first approved drug to treat the disease's hallmark symptoms
Ohtuvayre has been described as potentially transformative for COPD treatment due to its innovative mechanism of action and limited gastrointestinal side effects.
Significant Acquisitions
Vivo's investment acumen is further evidenced by several portfolio companies that were acquired by pharmaceutical giants in recent years:
- RayzeBio (radiopharmaceutical specialist): acquired by Bristol-Myers Squibb for $4.1 billion in 2024
- Chinook Therapeutics: acquired by Novartis for $3.2 billion in 2023
- Sierra Oncology: acquired by GSK for $1.9 billion in 2022
- Gracell Therapeutics: acquired by AstraZeneca for $1.2 billion in 2023
- Kadmon: acquired by Sanofi for $1.9 billion in 2021
Investment Philosophy and Market Context
Founded in 1996, Vivo Capital has consistently focused on identifying and supporting promising healthcare companies globally. The firm currently manages approximately $5.3 billion in regulatory assets and has invested in 430 public and private companies worldwide.
Dr. Gaurav Aggarwal, Managing Director at Vivo Capital, highlighted the firm's long-term commitment: "Vivo has been investing in healthcare and life sciences for almost 30 years, demonstrating consistency and supporting innovation across market cycles. We are extremely grateful to the entrepreneurs who enable the innovations we identify and for the support for Vivo Opportunity Fund that has been shown by our existing and new partners alike."
The $740 million fund comes at a time when investors are increasingly cautious about early-stage biotech investments. Alison Labya, Business Fundamentals Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, noted: "Amid the ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty, venture capitalists are favoring opportunities with clearer routes to near-term revenue and market access over longer-horizon development risks."
The Vivo Opportunity Fund is part of the firm's comprehensive approach to healthcare investment, complementing its venture capital and growth equity/buyout strategies across its multi-fund investment platform. With this latest funding round, Vivo Capital continues to position itself as a key player in healthcare investment, particularly in supporting innovative therapies that address significant unmet medical needs.
