Dutch biotechnology company Leyden Laboratories B.V. has secured €30 million in new equity financing from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund and Invest-NL. The investment will accelerate the clinical development of the company’s pan-influenza nasal spray (PanFlu) and further strengthen its mucosal protection platform, aimed at stopping respiratory viruses at their point of entry.
Founded in 2020, Leyden Labs is pioneering a new approach to respiratory virus prevention using antibody-based nasal sprays that provide immediate, localized protection in the respiratory tract.
By delivering broadly neutralizing antibodies directly to the nasal mucosa, the sprays aim to block airborne viruses such as influenza and coronaviruses before infection can occur. Unlike traditional vaccines that rely on systemic immune responses, Leyden Labs’ approach could offer protection even for immunocompromised individuals and the elderly.
The company’s lead product, PanFlu, utilizes CR9114, a human monoclonal antibody known for its ability to recognize a wide diversity of influenza strains. Because CR9114 targets highly conserved regions of the virus, the therapy could remain effective against future mutations, including strains that have not yet emerged.
This latest financing follows a period of strong momentum for Leyden Labs, including a $70 million Series B round in January 2025 and a €20 million venture debt investment from the European Investment Bank (EIB), supported by the European Commission’s InvestEU initiative through HERA (Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority). With investors spanning the U.S., Europe, and Asia, the company now has a global investor base backing its mission to protect populations from both seasonal and pandemic respiratory threats.
The new funding from the EIC Fund and Invest-NL reinforces Europe’s broader strategy to bolster pandemic preparedness and health innovation capacity. Both investors cited the significance of Leyden Labs’ preventive, easy-to-use nasal spray in safeguarding vulnerable populations and strengthening regional autonomy in life sciences innovation.
Leyden Labs continues to expand its research and clinical programs using its Mucosal Protection Platform, with ongoing efforts to apply the same technology against other respiratory pathogens, including coronaviruses. The company is headquartered in Leiden, the Netherlands, and backed by a strong syndicate of investors including GV (formerly Google Ventures), Casdin Capital, F-Prime Capital, ClavystBio, and SoftBank Vision Fund 2.
KEY QUOTES:
“The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the critical importance of Europe’s preparedness for future health crises. With EIC Fund’s investment in Leyden Labs, we are backing pioneering science and innovative approaches to combat respiratory viruses.”
Svetoslava Georgieva, Chair, EIC Fund Board
“As the Dutch national promotional institution, we are proud to support Leyden Labs in its mission to stop respiratory viruses at the gate with a preventive, easy-to-use nasal spray. With unique science at its core, this company addresses a limitation of vaccines, protecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly and immunocompromised via nasal spray, especially during flu season or even pandemics. This investment strengthens Europe’s resilience and autonomy in health innovation.”
Ineke Cazander, Investment Principal, Invest-NL
“With PanFlu, we are taking a bold step to stop influenza viruses at the gate. We are proud to welcome these two esteemed European funds, each with the goal of accelerating innovations in Europe that deliver public benefit. Their support for our strategy to develop novel products to protect against respiratory viruses is a wonderful endorsement of our relentless efforts.”
Koenraad Wiedhaup, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Leyden Labs
“These latest investments build on the significant momentum in our fundraising efforts this year, including our $70 million Series B announced in January and recent €20 million EIB venture debt investment facilitated by the European Commission’s InvestEU initiative through its Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA).”
Marieke van der Lans, Chief Financial Officer, Leyden Labs
