Catapult Ventures invests in OVO Biomanufacturing to improve the manufacturing efficiency of viral vaccines and gene therapies
Catapult announces investment into OVO Biomanufacturing to develop its novel technology platform to improve the manufacturing efficiency for viral vaccines and gene therapies. The funding came from the GM&C Life Sciences Fund.
3rd December 2020 - Alderley Park, UK. OVO Biomanufacturing today announced the completion of a new funding round to develop its novel technology platform to improve the manufacturing efficiency for viral vaccines and gene therapies. The funding came from the GM&C Life Sciences Fund, managed by Catapult Ventures.
OVO Biomanufacturing, a spin-out from the University of Warwick and Coventry University, is developing digital solutions to improve the efficiency of viral vaccine and gene therapy manufacture. OVO’s technology allows manufacturers of both established and novel viral vaccines and gene therapies to maximise the production of the target virus used to produce each therapy. The technology can be applied to any virus that is grown to produce a vaccine or therapy. Improving the efficiency of manufacture can improve yield, cut lead times and costs and maximise distribution, which is essential for current and future pandemics.
Dr William Collier, CEO of OVO Biomanufacturing, said: “We are incredibly excited to work with Catapult Ventures on the development of our novel technology. The current pandemic has highlighted the need for technologies that allow rapid development and distribution of both new and established vaccines, in response to current and novel infectious disease threats. We feel our technology can help vaccine manufacturers rise to the challenges of the current and future pandemics. OVO are also excited to begin the process of moving our operations to the cutting-edge facilities at Alderley Park in Cheshire as OVO’s new home. We look forward to working closely with both Universities and Catapult Ventures during this exciting period of OVO’s story."
Dr Phillip Gould, who is the Associate Head of School for Enterprise and Innovation, for the faculty of Health, Life Sciences at Coventry University and also CSO for OVO said: “This award is a significant game changer for OVO Biomanufacturing as it allows rapid expansion into this developing field."
Dr Tim Francis, Business Development Manager at the University of Warwick, said “OVO Biomanufacturing’s exciting vaccine technology has never been more relevant and is a great example of partnership between universities. The funding from Catapult Ventures will enable OVO Biomanufacturing to realise the full value of the technology."
Vijay Curthan, Investment Director at Catapult Ventures said “Vaccines are at the forefront of everyone’s mind nowadays but Catapult has always been a keen supporter of this area of science since we recognise its tremendous impact on global public health especially across the developing world. To that end, we are looking forward to supporting OVO in helping to increase the availability of vaccines as well as ensuring that they are affordable for everyone.”
