Genvax Technologies Receives Series Seed Plus Funding to Revolutionize Vaccine Development for Animal Health
Genvax Technologies, a pioneering startup in the field of RNA vaccine development for animal health, has successfully closed its Series Seed Plus funding round. This critical financial milestone will significantly accelerate the company’s path toward USDA approval for its vaccines, offering innovative solutions to combat infectious diseases affecting livestock. The funding will also enable Genvax to swiftly respond to outbreaks of foreign animal diseases, ultimately boosting livestock health and enhancing profitability for the agricultural industry.
Alongside the funding announcement, Genvax is also proud to welcome Dr. Lucas Huntimer as the company’s new Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). Dr. Huntimer, a seasoned expert in vaccine development, brings decades of experience in regulatory strategy and sustainable solutions to Genvax. Having held leadership roles at major companies such as Novartis, Elanco, and Rumin8, Dr. Huntimer is well-positioned to guide the company’s innovative pipeline forward. With a Ph.D. in Immunobiology from Iowa State University, he has specialized in advancing vaccine efficacy and managing complex research and development (R&D) portfolios.
Joel Harris, CEO and co-founder of Genvax Technologies, expressed his enthusiasm for Dr. Huntimer’s appointment, stating, “We are excited to have Lucas join our expanding team. His leadership and expertise will be invaluable as we work towards securing the licensure for our first product and manufacturing facility, all while continuing to push the boundaries of RNA technology in the animal health sector.”
A Breakthrough in Vaccine Technology
Genvax Technologies has developed a revolutionary RNA vaccine platform that aims to address the urgent need for rapid vaccine development in animal health. Unlike traditional vaccines, which often require whole pathogens to stimulate an immune response, Genvax’s proprietary technology uses a specific gene of interest (GOI) from the virus or bacteria. This gene is inserted into a messenger RNA (mRNA) that triggers the animal’s immune system to produce an antibody response without introducing the full pathogen.
This innovative approach enables Genvax to develop herd- or flock-specific vaccines tailored precisely to the variant strains circulating in production systems. By matching the vaccine to the circulating pathogen, Genvax’s RNA platform offers a highly targeted solution for protecting animals against emerging infectious diseases.
According to Joel Harris, “The threat posed by foreign animal diseases, such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), African Swine Fever (ASF), and evolving variants of swine influenza, is enormous. The urgency for groundbreaking solutions in response to these diseases has never been clearer. For HPAI, for instance, Genvax’s vaccine could play a critical role in eradication efforts, helping stabilize global trade relationships and food security.”
Dr. Huntimer further explained, “Our RNA vaccine platform represents a transformative breakthrough in addressing emerging threats to animal health. The ability to respond swiftly to new challenges and produce targeted vaccines with unprecedented speed and precision will reshape how we protect livestock from rapidly evolving pathogens. We are excited to lead this change in the industry.”

Strategic Partnerships for Growth and Innovation
A key partner in advancing Genvax’s innovative technology is United Animal Health, a leading player in animal health and agricultural research. United Animal Health played a central role in leading the financing efforts for Genvax, helping to fund and commercialize the company’s RNA vaccine solutions in livestock.
Dr. Doug Webel, President and CEO of United Animal Health, emphasized the importance of Genvax’s work in transforming the future of animal health. “At United Animal Health, we are committed to driving innovations that secure the future of animal agriculture,” said Dr. Webel. “Genvax’s RNA vaccine technology exemplifies the type of next-generation solutions that will change the health outcomes of livestock and ultimately strengthen global food security. Our research farms and expertise will be key in refining and scaling these breakthrough vaccines.”
The Series Seed Plus funding round was backed by a strategic coalition of investors, including Johnsonville Ventures, Iowa Farm Bureau’s Rural Vitality Funds, Iowa Corn Growers Association, and members of Ag Startup Engine. This broad array of investors, spanning industries such as animal health, nutrition, feed, and food processing, underscores the transformative potential of Genvax’s technology. Together, these investors are supporting the development of Genvax’s solutions to safeguard the food supply chain from evolving infectious threats.
A Bright Future for Genvax Technologies
Founded in February 2021 by serial entrepreneurs Joel Harris and Hank Harris, DVM, Ph.D., Genvax Technologies has rapidly become a leader in next-generation RNA vaccine development for livestock. In August 2022, the company closed its initial Seed financing round, raising $6.5 million to support research and product development. This latest funding round marks an important step forward for Genvax as it continues to push the boundaries of science and technology to meet the evolving needs of the animal health sector.
With the combination of a revolutionary vaccine platform, strong partnerships, and a dedicated leadership team, Genvax is poised to make a lasting impact on global animal health. By providing effective and rapid-response solutions to combat infectious diseases, Genvax aims to improve the health and welfare of livestock, enhance the profitability of the agricultural industry, and contribute to global food security.
As the company continues to make strides toward regulatory approval and commercialization, Genvax is well-positioned to become a leader in the future of animal health, driving innovation and setting new standards for vaccine development.