Curevo Vaccine secured $110 million in Series B funding to advance the development of its shingles vaccine, amezosvatein. The funding round was led by Medicxi, with participation from OrbiMed, HBM Healthcare Investments, Sanofi Ventures, and existing investors. Concurrently, Moncef Slaoui, former Chief Scientific Advisor to Operation Warp Speed, joined Curevo as Board Chair.
This development is crucial for the shingles vaccine market because it signals a strong vote of confidence in amezosvatein’s potential to address the current market’s limitations. The substantial investment enables Curevo to expand its Phase 2 trials, gathering crucial data in a larger and older population. This data will be pivotal for dose selection and solidifies the foundation for a successful Phase 3 program. Furthermore, the addition of Dr. Slaoui, with his extensive experience in vaccine development, significantly strengthens Curevo’s leadership and provides invaluable expertise as the company moves towards late-stage clinical development and potential regulatory approval.
The Series B funding allows Curevo to expand its Phase 2 trial to include 640 additional participants, focusing on adults over 70 years old. This trial is designed to finalize dose selection before initiating Phase 3. Amezosvatein, a non-mRNA adjuvanted subunit vaccine, uses the same glycoprotein E antigen as Shingrix but employs an optimized TLR4 agonist adjuvant aimed at improving tolerability while maintaining high efficacy. The appointment of prominent figures like Dr. Slaoui, Dr. Giovanni Mariggi from Medicxi, and Dr. Tal Zaks from OrbiMed to the board further reinforces Curevo’s strategic direction and development prospects.
This investment and strengthened leadership position Curevo to become a significant player in the shingles vaccine market. The focus on improved tolerability, coupled with the proven efficacy of the gE antigen, addresses a key unmet need and could drive wider adoption of the vaccine. The upcoming expanded Phase 2 trial will be critical for confirming amezosvatein’s potential and paving the way for a successful Phase 3 program and eventual market launch, potentially disrupting the existing landscape and offering a much-needed alternative for patients.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
