Vicebio raises US$100M for RSV and hMPV vaccine combo development

UK—London-based biotech startup Vicebio has raised US$100 million in a Series B funding round to advance its “next-generation vaccines” targeting respiratory illnesses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), to Phase I trials.

The funding was led by TCGX, with additional investments from Goldman Sachs Alternatives, Avoro Ventures, venBio, UniQuest, and Medicxi, the startup’s founding investor.

Vicebio enters an increasingly competitive RSV vaccine market, where pharmaceutical giants such as GSK, Pfizer, and Moderna have already launched their own vaccines.

Over the past year, the RSV space has seen significant development, with GSK securing the first US FDA approval for its adult RSV vaccine, Arexvy, in April 2023.

Shortly after, Pfizer’s Abrysvo and Moderna’s mRESVIA were approved in May 2023 and June 2024, respectively.

Vicebio’s new funds will primarily support the clinical trial and development of its two vaccine candidates, VXB-241 and VXB-251.

The company has already initiated a Phase I clinical trial (NCT06556147) for VXB-241, a bivalent vaccine designed to target both RSV and human metapneumovirus (hMPV).

The trial will assess four different dose levels in up to 136 participants, although results from the study are not expected until mid-2025.

Additionally, Vicebio is working on VXB-251, a trivalent vaccine that targets RSV, hMPV, and parainfluenza virus 3 (PIV3).

Both vaccine candidates have been developed using Vicebio’s proprietary “molecular clamp” technology, which stabilizes viral glycoproteins in a shape that enhances the immune response.

This innovative approach helps the body generate stronger immunity and aims to offer broader protection against multiple respiratory viruses.

These vaccines are also designed for ease of manufacturing and will be available in pre-filled syringes.

Commenting on the progress, Vicebio chairman Giovanni Mariggi emphasized the significance of their Molecular Clamp platform, which he believes positions the company uniquely in the respiratory vaccine market.

Mariggi highlighted VXB-241’s advanced stage and the platform’s potential to provide unparalleled coverage against respiratory viruses.

Despite its progress, Vicebio faces tough competition from AstraZeneca, which acquired a similar RSV and hMPV combination vaccine, IVX-A12, through its US$1.1 billion purchase of Icosavax.

 AstraZeneca’s vaccine is reportedly Phase III ready, but no pivotal trials have been initiated, leaving an opening for Vicebio to carve out a unique position in the evolving landscape of respiratory virus vaccines.

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