Osivax Secures Funding to Advance Influenza Vaccine Development
Osivax, a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing vaccines for broad-spectrum protection against rapidly mutating respiratory viruses, has announced the successful first close of its Series B funding round, securing €10 million from both new and existing investors.
Osivax, a pioneering biopharmaceutical company focused on developing vaccines to provide broad-spectrum protection against rapidly mutating respiratory viruses, has announced the successful first close of its Series B financing round, raising €10 million from both new and existing investors. Among the new investors is Meiji Seika Pharma Co., Ltd, a prominent Japanese pharmaceutical company renowned for its expertise in infectious diseases. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Osivax as it continues to accelerate the development of its innovative vaccine candidates.
Meiji Seika Pharma, with over 75 years of experience, is a subsidiary of the Meiji Group and is widely recognized for its contributions to vaccine development and commercialization. By joining forces with Osivax, Meiji Seika Pharma brings invaluable knowledge and resources, particularly in the field of infectious diseases, to the table. This partnership will bolster Osivax’s mission to revolutionize the prevention of respiratory diseases, including influenza and COVID-19, by utilizing cutting-edge vaccine technology.
The funds raised from Meiji Seika Pharma, as well as from existing investors and non-dilutive funding sources, will play a crucial role in supporting the ongoing preclinical and clinical development of OVX836, Osivax’s broad-spectrum influenza vaccine candidate. This funding will primarily support a Phase 2b field efficacy study (NCT05569239), which aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of OVX836 against a placebo. The study will involve a large cohort of 2,850 participants across multiple international sites, marking a significant step in advancing the science of influenza prevention beyond conventional approaches.
The Phase 2b study is a critical part of Osivax’s efforts to develop a next-generation vaccine that can provide comprehensive protection against multiple strains of influenza. The study will help establish whether OVX836 can provide a broader, more effective immune response than existing influenza vaccines, which often struggle to keep up with the constant mutations of the virus. With the involvement of thousands of participants, this study is poised to provide valuable data that could pave the way for a new era of flu prevention.
Alexandre Le Vert, CEO and Co-Founder of Osivax, expressed his excitement about the funding and the company’s continued progress. “This funding is a strong endorsement of our technology, our team, and our vision to develop broad-spectrum influenza vaccine candidates,” he said.
“We are gaining significant momentum in advancing Osivax’s development strategy, and we are thrilled to welcome Meiji Seika Pharma as a new investor. Their support, alongside that of our existing investors, reinforces our shared ambition to transform the prevention of respiratory infectious diseases.”
Osivax’s unique approach to vaccine development involves its proprietary oligoDOM™ nanoparticle platform technology. This platform enables the creation of self-assembling nanoparticles that can induce powerful T-cell and B-cell immune responses, offering a significant advantage over traditional vaccine approaches that primarily focus on eliciting antibody responses. By generating both robust T-cell and sustained B-cell responses, Osivax’s vaccines have the potential to provide long-lasting and comprehensive protection against a wide range of respiratory viruses, including those that mutate rapidly, such as influenza and coronaviruses.
OVX836, Osivax’s broad-spectrum influenza vaccine candidate, is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials, with over 1,200 volunteers already tested. Early results from these trials have shown promising efficacy data, suggesting that OVX836 could be a highly effective solution for protecting against multiple strains of influenza. The ongoing development of this vaccine is a major part of Osivax’s broader ambition to create a pan-respiratory virus vaccine that could prevent not only all strains of influenza but also all variants of COVID-19 with a single shot.
The company’s long-term vision extends beyond influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. Osivax is actively exploring opportunities to expand into other infectious disease indications through collaborations and partnerships worldwide. By leveraging its innovative platform technology and the expertise of its partners, Osivax aims to develop vaccines that can address a broad spectrum of respiratory infections, ultimately transforming the way these diseases are prevented and treated.
In addition to its scientific achievements, Osivax’s growing investor base is a testament to the confidence the global investment community has in the company’s vision and capabilities. With the support of key partners like Meiji Seika Pharma, Osivax is well-positioned to continue advancing its clinical pipeline and make a meaningful impact on global health.
As Osivax moves forward with its research and clinical trials, the company remains committed to its mission of providing innovative solutions to combat respiratory infectious diseases. With the successful close of its Series B financing round, the support of strategic investors, and the promising progress of its vaccine candidates, Osivax is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of vaccine development and global disease prevention.
