Centivax Secures $45 Million Funding to Develop Universal Flu Vaccine and Expand Immunology Portfolio

Centivax Secures $45 Million in Series A Funding

Centivax, Inc., a trailblazer in biotechnology focused on the development of vaccines offering universal protection against a range of pathogens, announced today the successful completion of an oversubscribed $45 million Series A funding round. This round, led by Future Ventures, attracted significant participation from major investors like NFX, BOLD Capital Partners, and Kendall Capital Partners, among others.

Future Ventures, led by Steve Jurvetson, has a track record of backing revolutionary projects, including Tesla and SpaceX. Jurvetson expressed pride in leading the funding, highlighting the urgent need for innovative antiviral solutions over the past two decades. His enthusiasm for the universal vaccine concept is a testament to the potential impact Centivax could have in reshaping public health outcomes.

The funding will primarily be allocated to furthering the development of Centivax’s flagship candidate: a universal influenza vaccine. Currently in the process of Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) development, this vaccine is set to enter Phase I clinical trials within the next eight months. A rigorous study will evaluate not only the vaccine's safety but also its efficacy in eliciting protective immune responses against over twenty different flu strains, including the relevant 2024-2025 variants and historical strains.

Utilizing the hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay—the gold standard in licensing seasonal flu vaccines—will establish clear benchmarks for the universal vaccine’s ability to provide comprehensive immunity. Dr. Jerald Sadoff, the Chief Medical Officer at Centivax, emphasized the importance of the upcoming trial, stating that it will be pivotal in demonstrating the efficacy of the Centivax platform technology.

The Centivax approach focuses on directing the immune response towards pathogen regions that remain stable across various strains, a method that could transcend its current applications in influenza to address numerous other rapidly mutating diseases. Preclinical studies have shown promising results, demonstrating universal immunity in different animal models and human-derived immune organoids.

In addition to developing the flu vaccine, Centivax’s proprietary platform is paving the way for a comprehensive immunology pipeline. This includes candidates targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), herpes viruses, HIV, malaria, oncology-related applications, and even a universal antivenom recognized in major publications like the Wall Street Journal and Nature.

The breadth of this research portfolio underlines Centivax's ambition not just to combat infectious diseases but also to enhance overall health by decreasing the long-term impacts of these pathogens, potentially mitigating conditions like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and other chronic illnesses. CMO Dr. Jacob Glanville pointed out that vaccines like Gardasil® and Zostavax™ have already showcased the potential of vaccines to act against multiple health threats, including incidences of cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

Leadership at Centivax is robust, spearheaded by FDA veterans with historical successes in vaccine development. With Dr. Jacob Glanville at the helm, supported by a team that includes former leaders from Pfizer and Merck, the company is poised for transformative advancements in immunology.

Dr. Emilio Emini, former CEO of the Gates Medical Research Institute and a significant figure in vaccine development, will join Centivax’s Board of Directors as part of this funding effort. His expertise will be invaluable as the company strives to navigate the intricacies of developing a genuine universal flu vaccine.

The financial backing provided through this oversubscribed Series A, in conjunction with previously secured non-dilutive awards totaling $24 million from prominent organizations, empowers Centivax to advance its mission toward delivering a universal influenza vaccine and tackling significant disease burdens effectively.

In summary, Centivax is not only focused on addressing the immediate flu pandemic but is also strategically positioned to revolutionize the landscape of immunization through its universe of innovative vaccine candidates. The company's efforts symbolize a promising step towards a future where universal vaccines could streamline public health responses to emerging infectious diseases, ultimately shifting society from a pandemic mentality to an era of robust health security.