NorthLinks Bio announced its launch and the completion of a $34 million financing from RA Capital Management.
NorthLinks Bio is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing broad-spectrum antiviral preventive medicines for respiratory viral infections.
In connection with the financing, UK-based Pneumagen reorganized into U.S.-based NorthLinks Bio while maintaining research operations in St Andrews, Scotland.
The funding will support advancing NorthLinks Bio’s lead intranasal prophylactic antiviral candidate, HEX17, toward Phase 2b readiness.
The proceeds will also fund continued development of the company’s proprietary glycan-targeted platform for the prevention and treatment of respiratory viral infections.
NorthLinks Bio said the financing will support HEX17 manufacturing and help establish the company’s U.S. operations for future clinical development in influenza and other respiratory viral indications.
HEX17 is an intranasal spray designed to provide broad-spectrum protection against respiratory virus infections.
The candidate targets sialic acid, a validated host receptor involved in the entry of multiple respiratory pathogens into host cells.
NorthLinks Bio said HEX17 is designed to prevent infections at the earliest stages and may maintain activity despite viral evolution and the emergence of new variants.
HEX17 has completed Phase 1 and Phase 2a clinical studies.
The company said the Phase 2a program included an influenza human challenge study in which prophylactic administration led to an approximately 50% reduction in symptomatic influenza infection.
The study also showed reductions in symptom severity and viral shedding.
NorthLinks Bio said HEX17 originated from its glycan-targeted platform, which is based on engineered carbohydrate-binding modules designed to bind with high affinity to sialic acids on the surface of respiratory epithelial cells.
The company said the platform may have applications across multiple respiratory viruses and could support both prophylactic and therapeutic approaches.
NorthLinks Bio will be led by CEO Fanny Cavalié, a Venture Partner at RA Capital’s Raven healthcare incubator. Cavalié previously served as Chief Strategy and Business Operations Officer at Foghorn Therapeutics.
Douglas Thomson, former CEO of Pneumagen, will transition to the NorthLinks Bio Board of Directors.
NorthLinks Bio’s Board also includes Laura Tadvalkar, Managing Director at RA Capital; Mario Barro, Head of Infectious Diseases at RA Capital; Fenel Eloi, former COO of Cell Signaling Technology; and John Beadle, former CEO of PsiOxus Therapeutics.
KEY QUOTES:
“Respiratory viruses continue to represent a significant global health burden despite the availability of vaccines and antiviral therapies. We believe there is a substantial opportunity for a convenient, broad-spectrum intranasal prophylactic capable of providing continuous protection across influenza strains and potentially other respiratory viruses. By targeting a validated host pathway, HEX17 is designed to provide broad protection that may remain resilient to viral evolution and support prophylactic use across respiratory virus seasons.”
Fanny Cavalié, CEO of NorthLinks Bio
“I am excited for the next stage of growth and to continue to support the company through it.”
Douglas Thomson, Former CEO of Pneumagen
