Imophoron, a Bristol, UK-based developer of a novel, next generation rapid-response vaccine platform, ADDomer(TM), to combat present and future infectious diseases, secured GBP 4m funding.
The round was co-led by Science Creates Ventures and Octopus Ventures, alongside Jonathan Milner.
The company intends to use the capital to continue development of its self-assembling protein sub-units: ADDomers, the core of its platform used to create its vaccines.
Founded in 2017 and led by Frederic Garzoni, CEO, Imophoron is the developer of a novel next generation rapid-response vaccine platform, ADDomer(TM), to combat present and future infectious diseases, and potential outbreaks, known as ‘Disease X’.
The platform is based on a self-assembling thermotolerant protein, the ADDomer, that permits rapid insertion of large numbers of peptide and protein epitopes in a single particle, ideal for next-generation vaccines.
The company will demonstrate the safety and efficacy, including immune response, in animal models of ADDomer vaccines in three viruses: lead candidate RSV, Chikungunya and COVID-19. This specifically involves: pre-clinical efficacy, immunogenicity and safety packages for regulatory interactions for RSV; manufacturing research batches of material for pre-clinical studies and establishment of cell lines and cell banks. With regard to COVID and Chikungunya, the company will design and select potential candidates, and complete pre-clinical efficacy studies. Finally, Imophoron will design and implement a scale-up manufacturing strategy, and perform all necessary toxicology assays.
FinSMEs
07/10/2021