Stablepharma Secures €2.5M EIC Grant, Among Top 71 EU Innovators
UK biotech Stablepharma Ltd has secured a €2.5M grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Programme. The funding acknowledges its innovative refrigeration-free pharmaceutical technology, meeting the EIC’s high standards for excellence, impact, and risk management.
UK-based biotech company Stablepharma Ltd has been awarded a €2.5 million grant through the prestigious European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Programme. The grant recognizes the company’s groundbreaking refrigeration-free pharmaceutical technology, which meets the EIC’s strict criteria for excellence, impact, and risk management.
Stablepharma is among 71 companies from 16 European countries selected for this highly competitive funding round. The 2024 EIC Accelerator Programme received a record 1,211 applications, making this the most competitive round in Horizon Europe’s history. The overwhelming response highlights the growing demand for innovative solutions across multiple sectors.
Recognition of Innovation in Cold Chain Solutions
“This EIC Accelerator grant is a clear recognition of Stablepharma’s continued innovation and commitment to delivering refrigeration-free vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics,” said Ozgur Tuncer, CEO and Executive Director of Stablepharma. “We are extremely proud to be one of only five UK companies to receive this grant. It is a testament to the quality and scale of the UK life sciences industry and its continued progress.”
Tuncer’s remarks emphasize the importance of the €2.5 million award, which highlights Stablepharma’s pioneering role in addressing cold chain logistics challenges. The company’s refrigeration-free technology has the potential to transform global vaccine distribution, ensuring wider access and reducing waste.
The selected companies will collectively receive up to €161 million in grants. Additionally, equity investments will be made through the EIC Fund, the European Innovation Council’s specialized investment arm and the largest high-tech investor in Europe. The EIC Fund typically attracts further investment, amplifying the overall funding to more than three times the initial EIC contribution.
Breakthrough Technology: StablevaX™
Stablepharma’s revolutionary technology, StablevaX™, converts approved vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics into heat-stable products that eliminate the need for refrigeration. This innovation tackles a major global challenge: the reliance on cold chain logistics, which increases costs, complicates distribution, and leads to significant product waste.
Steve Chatfield, Non-Executive Chairman of Stablepharma, expressed his enthusiasm for the award. “We are very pleased to have been awarded this grant, considering the high standard of all European applicants. This is a huge recognition for the Stablepharma team, who have worked tirelessly to advance our StablevaX™ technology.”
Stablepharma’s technology addresses critical logistical and economic issues in vaccine distribution, particularly in regions with limited access to refrigeration infrastructure. By creating heat-stable alternatives, the company aims to enhance global health efforts, ensuring that essential vaccines reach those in need without degradation.
Advancing Clinical Trials: SPVX02
This funding arrives as Stablepharma prepares for the next phase of development for its lead candidate, SPVX02, a refrigeration-free tetanus and diphtheria vaccine. The company plans to accelerate Phase 1 clinical trials in March 2025, a crucial milestone that could reshape the global vaccine landscape.
The trial, part-funded by Innovate UK, is scheduled to conclude early in the third quarter of 2025, with results expected in the fourth quarter. The success of SPVX02 could have a transformative impact on global vaccine accessibility, particularly in remote or underserved regions.
Stablepharma’s vision extends beyond a single vaccine candidate. The company’s research and development team has identified up to 60 potential vaccines that could benefit from the StablevaX™ technology. By collaborating with global vaccine manufacturers, academic institutions, and NGOs, Stablepharma is working to expand its portfolio of thermostable vaccines and therapeutics.
Scalability and Future Prospects
A key advantage of Stablepharma’s innovation is its scalability. StablevaX™ technology can be produced in a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) environment, allowing large-scale manufacturing to supply millions of doses annually. This capability positions the company as a major player in global vaccine distribution, with the potential to significantly reduce reliance on traditional cold chain systems.
Stablepharma’s recognition by the EIC Accelerator Programme underscores its potential to drive meaningful change in pharmaceutical logistics. By eliminating the need for constant refrigeration, the company’s technology can lower costs, improve access, and reduce vaccine waste, ultimately benefiting public health worldwide.
Conclusion
Stablepharma’s selection for the EIC Accelerator grant reinforces its status as a leader in biotech innovation. With a strong focus on solving global vaccine distribution challenges, the company is set to make a lasting impact in the healthcare sector. As Phase 1 clinical trials for SPVX02 progress and collaborations with industry partners expand, Stablepharma is well-positioned to revolutionize the way vaccines and therapeutics are stored and delivered.
The company’s achievements not only reflect the strength of the UK life sciences industry but also demonstrate Europe’s commitment to fostering breakthrough innovations in healthcare. With continued advancements in thermostable vaccine technology, Stablepharma is paving the way for a future where life-saving medicines are more accessible and effective across the globe.
