Genvax Technologies, a startup bringing advances in RNA vaccine production to animal health, announced on Feb. 3 that it has closed its Series Seed Plus funding. This funding will accelerate the company’s path toward USDA approval of its vaccines, enabling rapid response to foreign animal disease outbreaks and improving livestock health and profitability, the company said in a release.
Genvax was founded in February 2021 by entrepreneurs Joel Harris and Hank Harris, DVM. In August 2022, the company closed a seed financing round worth $6.5 million in financial and research support led by United Animal Health.
New Hire
To help move the company forward, Genvax recently named Lucas Huntimer as chief scientific officer to lead innovation. He brings decades of expertise in vaccine development, regulatory strategy and sustainable solutions through leadership roles at Novartis, Elanco and Rumin8. Huntimer received his Ph.D. in immunobiology from Iowa State University, and has been focusing on advancing vaccine efficacy and managing complex research and development portfolios.
“We are thrilled that Lucas has joined our expanding team,” Joel Harris, CEO and co-founder of Genvax Technologies, said in a release. “His leadership will be instrumental in achieving licensure for our first product and manufacturing facility, while shaping the future of this novel RNA technology in animal health.”
Innovations in Technology
Genvax’s proprietary RNA platform enables the rapid development of herd- or flock-specific vaccines matched precisely to the variant strain circulating in animal production operations, the company said in a release.
“By inserting a specific transgene or ‘gene of interest’ (GOI) matched to the variant strain into the platform, the RNA generates an antibody response without requiring the whole pathogen,” the release said.
With the threat of foreign animal diseases such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), African swine fever (ASF), and evolving variants of swine influenza, the industry needs groundbreaking solutions now, Harris said in a release.
“For HPAI, our innovative vaccine could play a pivotal role in eradication efforts and strengthen global trade relationships,” he said.
Huntimer believes Genvax’s cutting-edge saRNA vaccine platform represents a breakthrough in addressing emerging animal diseases.
“Our rapid development capability allows us to pivot quickly in response to new threats, delivering targeted vaccines with unprecedented speed and precision,” Huntimer added. “This technology will transform how we protect animal health and mitigate the risks posed by evolving pathogens.”
Pioneering Growth
United Animal Health said their company has been a key driver of Genvax’s mission to revolutionize animal health and led the financing with the aim of commercializing the technology in livestock.
“At United Animal Health, we are committed to pioneering advancements that safeguard the future of animal agriculture,” Doug Webel, president and CEO of United Animal Health, said in a release. “Genvax’s RNA vaccines exemplify the type of innovation that will redefine health outcomes and strengthen global food security. By leveraging our research farms and expertise, we are well-positioned to refine and commercialize these groundbreaking solutions.”
United Animal Health led the financing with support from Johnsonville Ventures, Iowa Farm Bureau’s Rural Vitality Funds, Iowa Corn Growers Association, and members of Ag Startup Engine. According to a release, this coalition of investors spans the animal health, nutrition, feed, and food processing industries, underscoring the transformative potential of Genvax’s technology in addressing emerging threats to the food supply chain.
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