Genvax Technologies, a startup dedicated to bringing advances in self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) vaccine production to animal health, announced today it has secured $6.5 million in series seed funding. This funding moves the company toward USDA and international regulatory approval of its vaccines in anticipation of any foreign animal disease outbreak in order to increase health and profitability in livestock production.
The company's proprietary saRNA platform allows for rapid development of herd or flock-specific vaccines matched 100% to the variant strain circulating in an animal-production operation. By inserting a specific transgene or “gene of interest” (GOI) matched to the variant strain into the platform, the saRNA can generate an antibody response without requiring the whole pathogen.
“The threat posed to producers and consumers by foreign animal diseases like African Swine Fever (ASF) and constantly mutating variants of swine influenza is extraordinary,” said Joel Harris, CEO and co-founder of Genvax Technologies. “The goal is to develop a vaccine that matches 100 percent to the specific strain when a disease outbreak occurs. For ASF, Genvax’s vaccine could be an important tool for eradication efforts and may alleviate any concerns with trading partners abroad. In addition, the financial and public support of multiple stakeholders like United Animal Health and others in the food industry is a huge validation of this technology's promise.”
In April 2022, Genvax announced it had received more than $145,000 in grant funding from the USDA-Agricultural Research Services Plum Island Animal Disease Center (USDA-ARS-PIADC) and the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) to develop a saRNA vaccine for African Swine Fever virus. ASF can cause up to 100% mortality in pigs and could decimate the income of U.S. pork producers and force layoffs, significantly reducing rural employment. Economic models estimate the worst case scenario of an ASF outbreak in the US would result in a $50 billion loss to the domestic pig industry.
United Animal Health led the financing with participation from Johnsonville Ventures, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Summit Agricultural Group, and Ag Startup Engine. This investor coalition represents animal health, nutrition, feed, meat packers, and consumer products in the fight against existing and emerging threats to the food supply chain.
“United Animal Health sees Genvax and self-amplifying mRNA vaccines as the cutting edge of technology to protect the industries we serve,” said Scott Holmstrom, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Research and Development of United Animal Health. “These technologies are critical to food security and protein availability. We are excited to be offering our innovation and research farms to work carefully with Genvax in developing these future products.”
“We’ve been impressed with Joel Harris and the Genvax team, in addition to the novel technology they are developing,” said Kevin Ladwig, Managing Director of Johnsonville Ventures. “As a stakeholder in the pork industry, we feel this is a necessary step in helping prepare for and protect against African Swine Fever and other emerging diseases.”
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