New funding: At a second when vaccines are on everybody’s thoughts, a Seattle-based biotech firm that has an uncommon method to vaccine manufacturing has raised $100 million in a Collection B spherical. The startup creates computer-designed, virus-like particles which are utilized in vaccines to set off immune responses. The brand new funding follows a $51 million spherical in October 2019. Icosavax has 17 staff.
Extra on the vaccines: Icosavax is engaged on a COVID-19 vaccine, in addition to vaccines to forestall much less well-known illnesses: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV). Early analysis outcomes present that the vaccines elicit sturdy immune responses.
“Primarily based on preclinical knowledge, we consider our vaccine candidates might provide important safety in opposition to main viral causes of pneumonia in older adults the place no licensed vaccines at present exist,” mentioned Icosavax CEO Adam Simpson, relating to the RSV and hMPV vaccines.
The corporate launched its COVID program in October, supported partially by $10 million from the Invoice & Melinda Gates Basis.
Robust ties to the Institute for Protein Design: The corporate is a spinout from the College of Washington’s Institute for Protein Design (IPD). The institute is led by David Baker, who’s an Icosavax co-founder and advisor. Icosavax’s virus-like particle know-how was invented at IPD by Neil King, who serves as chair of the startup’s scientific advisory board.
Simpson was previously the CEO of PvP Biologics, one other IPD spinout, which he oversaw from the corporate’s launch via its sale to the pharmaceutical firm Takeda.
Traders: The funding spherical was led by RA Capital Administration and joined by Janus Henderson Traders, Perceptive Advisors, Viking International Traders, Cormorant Asset Administration, Omega Funds and Surveyor Capital. Others contributing to the spherical embrace current traders Qiming Enterprise Companions USA; Adams Avenue Companions; Sanofi Ventures; and ND Capital. The spherical included money from a October 2020 funding.
— to www.geekwire.com
