Juvaris Closes First Series B Financing For $25m

Juvaris BioTherapeutics (Juvaris) has completed the first close on its Series B equity financing of up to $25m led by SV Life Sciences (SVLS) along with existing investor, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers (KPCB). In conjunction with the financing, Michael Ross, managing partner at SVLS, will join the Juvaris Board of Directors (BOD).

The funds will be used to advance Juvaris’ novel adjuvant platform (JVRS-100) of cationic-lipid DNA complexes, designed to significantly improve the quality and quantity of immune responses achievable with vaccines. In clinical studies, JVRS-100, has shown to produce significant T-cell mediated immune responses and improved antibody responses without toxicity. JVRS-100 is in clinical development to address unmet needs in seasonal and pandemic influenza. Juvaris is also developing its own proprietary adjuvanted vaccines, including an HSV-2 (herpes) vaccine and a universal influenza vaccine.

Dr Ross, said: “The robust immunological responses seen with Juvaris’ adjuvant, JVRS-100, create a significant breakthrough opportunity to produce new and improved vaccines. I look forward to working with the strong team of vaccine developers already assembled at Juvaris to rapidly advance this important technology.”

Grant Pickering, president, chief executive officer and BOD member at Juvaris, said: “We are pleased to have the support of SVLS and KPCB as we advance JVRS-100 into mid-stage clinical development. In addition, Mike’s highly successful drug development experience at Genentech and track record of building strong biotech companies at SVLS will be of critical ongoing value to Juvaris.”