Download virovet - BioVision

VIROVET
One line pitch:
ViroVet is a pioneering company dedicated to the development of disruptive and innovative
technologies for the control of viral diseases in livestock.
Market Analysis:
The livestock industry is a 100+ billion euro industry. Endemic viral diseases like bovine
respiratory disease in cattle and porcine respiratory and productive syndrome in pigs cost
producers billions every year in losses and threaten the world supply of animal protein. African
swine fever (ASF) is coming with EU and US ill prepared to respond at the moment (no vaccines
or treatments available). Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and other outbreaks still occur a cause
billions of euros in direct and indirect losses. Our products target endemic diseases (producers) as
well as epizootic diseases (stockpiling).
Business Proposition:
ViroVet’s core team is entirely composed of experts who previously founded Okapi Sciences.
Okapi was incorporated in 2008 with a starting capital of €8.5mn (VC). In five years’ time the
company brought two antiviral drugs from the bench to clinical trials, discovered three new pet
therapeutics, and developed breakthrough technologies for the containment and control of
epizootic outbreaks of livestock diseases. The company was acquired by Aratana Therapeutics in
2014 for $44mn. The livestock assets and antiviral technology from Aratana were combined
with rights on a new vaccine technology platform to form ViroVet in 2015.
Competitive Advantage:
ViroVet has secured close partnerships with key academic, industrial and governmental partners
in the EU and US, and operates a research engine unique of its kind. As a SME, ViroVet has a
competitive advantage over established animal health companies allowing for faster, more
innovative and cost-efficient product development. There is no competition in veterinary antiviral
drugs. On the vaccine side, our technology will allow for production of less expensive modified live
vaccines that can be tailor-made to maximize efficacy, minimize safety concerns and have no cold
chain requirement.
Investment Attractiveness:
The series A will allow ViroVet’s seasoned team to demonstrate an economically viable
proof-of-concept for its leading antiviral drug, thereby greatly de-risking the subsequent full
development of the program towards commercialization, and demonstrate proof-of-concept with
the innovative vaccine technology while building the pipeline. Within three to four years following
Series A, ViroVet will be in an excellent position to assess either a Series B or an IPO strategy to
build an independent livestock company or to consider alternative strategies including a trade sale
or merger.
IP Situation:
ViroVet’s intellectual property strategy is based on a strong portfolio of patents, patentable
research projects and data protection by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and by the
European Medicines Agency (EMA). With an innovative research-driven focus, ViroVet applies
freedom-to-operate and patentability criteria throughout its research and development programs
from the early stages onwards. Following selection and in-licensing, additional protection will be
sought by patenting use, formulation and dosing schemes alike.
COMPANY PROFILE
• Website:
www.virovet.com
• Activity: Biotech
• Contact:
BLOMSMA Erwin
[email protected]
• Location:
Ambachtenlaan 1
3001
Belgium
• Founded in: 30/07/2015
• Employees: 8
• Management:
Blomsma Erwin
CEO and co-founder
Wera Stefaan
COO and co-founder
Vrancken Robert
Director R&D
• Financial information (€):
- Company stage:
startup
- Capital raised to date:
- Monthly burn rate:
- Capital seeking and date:
€8-12mn in Q2 2016
• Investors:
Aratana Therapeutics NV and
the co-founders
• Referred by:
Christophe Van Vaeck - GIMV