Animab, a VUB-VIB-UGent spin-off and a leader in oral antibody solutions for production animals, has successfully closed a €10 million Series B funding round. This investment will support the commercial launch of Nanoprotec® and advance Animab’s broader pipeline.
Nanoprotec®, Animab’s first-in-class oral monoclonal antibody, is designed to combat enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) F4, a major cause of diarrhea in piglets that results in poor growth and high mortality rates. This innovative solution offers an effective, antibiotic-free alternative to current disease control strategies, which heavily rely on antibiotics. Administered via drinking water, Nanoprotec® provides immediate immunity, aiming to reduce the reliance on antibiotics in livestock production and mitigate the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance.
The funding round was led by AIF, PMV, and QBIC III, with participation from all existing investors, including Seventure Partners, V-Bio Ventures, and VIB, and welcomed Anacura as a new investor. A regulatory submission to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is planned by the end of 2025, with market launch anticipated by the end of 2026.
"This successful round is the result of aligned leadership, longstanding trust from our partners, and a shared commitment to combating antimicrobial resistance through animal-friendly disease control solutions,” said Jan Spaas, Chairman of the Board at Animab. Alain Wille, CEO of Animab, added, “This milestone reflects our shared belief in Animab’s potential to transform animal health without relying on antibiotics."