HERVolution Therapeutics Secures $11.7M in Series A Funding to Propel Dark Genome-Based Immunotherapies for Cancer and Aging

HERVolution Therapeutics ApS, a leading biotech company specializing in dark genome research, has successfully closed a $11.7 million Series A financing round. The funding, led by the Serum Institute of India (SII), with additional participation from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund and other key investors, will accelerate the development of the company’s novel immunotherapies targeting human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs). The funds will support cGMP manufacturing, clinical trials, and the expansion of HERVolution’s therapeutic pipeline.

Unlocking the Potential of HERVs for Therapeutic Use

HERVs are remnants of ancient viral infections embedded in the human genome. Though typically dormant, they can reactivate due to aging or disease, playing a role in conditions such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, and ALS. HERVolution’s groundbreaking approach aims to break the immune system’s natural “self-tolerance” to these retroviruses, transforming them from “invisible” targets into viable candidates for therapeutic intervention.

The company’s cutting-edge therapies harness advanced engineering to trigger strong, long-lasting immune responses against HERVs. By utilizing adenoviral, virus-like particles, and mRNA vectors, HERVolution’s platform provides versatile, off-the-shelf treatments for age-related and complex diseases.

J. Robert Coleman, PhD, MBA, CEO of HERVolution, Shares Vision for the Future

J. Robert Coleman, PhD, MBA, CEO of HERVolution Therapeutics, commented on the company’s progress:
“We are transforming the treatment landscape for complex, age-related diseases by enabling the first-ever therapeutic targeting of HERVs. This Series A funding will allow us to accelerate our pipeline and bring these groundbreaking therapies closer to patients around the world.”

Lead Candidates Progressing Toward Clinical Trials

• IPT-001: A dual adenoviral vector immunotherapy that induces robust HERV-specific T and B cell responses. Developed in partnership with the Serum Institute of India (SII), IPT-001 is set to enter Phase 1 clinical trials in 2025.
• IPT-002: An mRNA-based therapy designed to enhance and sustain immune responses when used alongside IPT-001 in a prime-boost strategy.

These therapies are designed to target a wide range of diseases, with potential for use as standalone treatments or in combination with other therapies.

Industry Confidence and HERVolution’s Vision for the Future

Peter Holst, MD, PhD, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of HERVolution, highlighted the broader significance of this funding:
“This investment reflects the growing confidence in HERV-targeted therapies to address major challenges in cancer, metabolic diseases, and aging. HERVolution is uniquely positioned to lead this transformative field forward.”

With a strong pipeline and backing from prominent investors, HERVolution is well on its way to revolutionizing the treatment of aging-related and complex diseases, offering new hope to an aging global population.