United Animal Health and Current Investors Support Genvax's Paradigm Shift in Vaccine Response to Infectious Animal Diseases
AMES, Iowa, Feb. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Genvax Technologies, a startup dedicated to bringing advances in RNA vaccine production to animal health, announced today it has closed its Series Seed Plus funding. This pivotal funding will accelerate the company's path toward USDA approval of its vaccines, enabling rapid response to foreign animal disease outbreaks and improving livestock health and profitability.
In addition, Genvax welcomed Dr. Lucas Huntimer as Chief Scientific Officer to lead innovation and drive their product pipeline forward. Dr. Huntimer brings decades of expertise in vaccine development, regulatory strategy, and sustainable solutions through leadership roles at Novartis, Elanco, and Rumin8. A Ph.D. graduate in Immunobiology from Iowa State University, Dr. Huntimer has consistently focused on advancing vaccine efficacy and managing complex R&D portfolios.
"We are thrilled that Lucas has joined our expanding team," said Joel Harris, CEO and co-founder of Genvax Technologies. "His leadership will be instrumental in achieving licensure for our first product and manufacturing facility, while shaping the future of this novel RNA technology in animal health."
Innovative Technology for a Global Challenge
Genvax's proprietary RNA platform enables the rapid development of herd- or flock-specific vaccines matched precisely to the variant strain circulating in animal production operations. By inserting a specific transgene or "gene of interest" (GOI) matched to the variant strain into the platform, the RNA generates an antibody response without requiring the whole pathogen.
"The extraordinary threat of foreign animal diseases such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), African Swine Fever (ASF), and evolving variants of swine influenza calls for groundbreaking solutions," said Joel Harris. "For HPAI, our innovative vaccine could play a pivotal role in eradication efforts and strengthen global trade relationships."
Dr. Huntimer added, "Genvax's cutting-edge saRNA vaccine platform represents a breakthrough in addressing emerging animal diseases. Our rapid development capability allows us to pivot quickly in response to new threats, delivering targeted vaccines with unprecedented speed and precision. This technology will transform how we protect animal health and mitigate the risks posed by evolving pathogens."
United Animal Health's Role in Advancing Innovation
United Animal Health has been a key driver of Genvax's mission to revolutionize animal health and led the financing with the aim of commercializing the technology in livestock. "At United Animal Health, we are committed to pioneering advancements that safeguard the future of animal agriculture," said Dr. Doug Webel, President and CEO of United Animal Health. "Genvax's RNA vaccines exemplify the type of innovation that will redefine health outcomes and strengthen global food security. By leveraging our research farms and expertise, we are well-positioned to refine and commercialize these groundbreaking solutions."
United Animal Health led the financing with support from Johnsonville Ventures, Iowa Farm Bureau's Rural Vitality Funds, Iowa Corn Growers Association, and members of Ag Startup Engine. This coalition of investors spans the animal health, nutrition, feed, and food processing industries, underscoring the transformative potential of Genvax's technology in addressing emerging threats to the food supply chain.
Building on a Legacy of Success
Genvax was founded in February 2021 by serial entrepreneurs Joel Harris and Hank Harris, DVM Ph.D. In August 2022, the company closed a Seed financing round worth $6.5 million in financial and research support led by United Animal Health. Since its inception, Genvax has been at the forefront of developing next-generation RNA vaccines tailored to meet the evolving needs of the livestock industry.
About Genvax Technologies
Genvax is a startup animal vaccine company located in Ames, Iowa, with a dynamic team of experienced scientists and entrepreneurs dedicated to developing next-generation RNA vaccines.
Media Contact
David Cain, United Animal Health, 1 317-407-8521, [email protected], http://unitedanh.com
SOURCE Genvax Technologies
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