Fuse Vectors, a biotech startup from Copenhagen, has secured $5.2 million in pre-seed funding, led by HCVC, to develop a novel cell-free viral vector technology for gene therapy. Founded by bioprocess scientists Benjamin Blaha and Jordan Turnbull, the company seeks to replace the traditional, cell-based manufacturing methods that have hindered gene therapy progress due to their inefficiency and high costs. Fuse Vectors’ technology uses controlled biochemical reactions to produce viral vectors with greater precision, reducing production time and cost. The funding will help accelerate the company’s platform development, allowing it to collaborate with academic and pharmaceutical partners to refine drug candidates and expand access to gene therapies.
Fuse Vectors focuses on developing cell-free viral vector technology for gene therapy. Founded by bioprocess scientists Benjamin Blaha and Jordan Turnbull, the company aims to address the inefficiencies of traditional cell-based production methods used in gene therapy. Fuse Vectors’ platform utilizes controlled biochemical processes to assemble viral vectors with higher precision, potentially reducing production time and costs. The company is in the early stages of development, collaborating with academic and pharmaceutical partners to explore applications for its technology in gene therapy, with a focus on improving accessibility and quality in the field.
“Fuse Vectors’ cell-free Fuse Technology offers significant improvements, reducing production time and costs while enhancing vector quality to meet patients’ unmet needs,” said Benjamin Blaha, co-founder of Fuse Vectors. “The enzymatic AAV capsid filling process eliminates cell-based AAV production, using efficient technologies storing components in a module library. This allows on-demand, controlled biocatalytic reactions to fill capsids and works across all serotypes.”
“This investment from HCVC is a pivotal step for Fuse Vectors, bringing our pre-seed financing to 5 million EUR,” said Henrik Stage, co-founder and Executive Chair of Fuse Vectors. “We are excited to work towards our vision of making gene therapy more efficient, cost-effective, and accessible, and are grateful for the early support and financing received from BioInnovation Institute, EIFO and Innovation Fund during our ideation and start-up phase.”
“Fuse Vectors’ approach to gene therapy has the potential to make gene therapy much more interesting for the Industry to develop as well as increase accessibility to patients,” stated Trine Bartholdy, CBO of BioInnovation Institute. “Their start-up development exemplifies BII’s commitment to empowering innovative platform technologies based on world-class scientific research to grow into successful companies capable of making meaningful impact on the future of gene therapy and human health.”
“We are thrilled to support Fuse Vectors in their mission to revolutionize gene therapy,” said Alexis Houssou, Managing Partner of HCVC. “With their unique cell-free viral vector solution, expert founding team and strong business model, Fuse Vectors has the potential to overcome significant challenges in the field, and we believe in their ability to bring transformative treatments to patients.”
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Read the orginal article: https://arcticstartup.com/fuse-vectors-5-2m-pre-seed/
