Animab

About Animab

Animab is a biotechnology company developing orally administered monoclonal antibodies to enhance the intestinal health of livestock and reduce the reliance on antibiotics. The company was founded in June 2020 as a spin-off from the Flemish Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) and its partner universities, Ghent University (UGent) and Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB).

The foundational research was led by scientific founders including Vikram Virdi, Nico Callewaert, Ann Depicker, Eric Cox, and Henri De Greve. Dr. Virdi's doctoral and post-doctoral research, spanning over a decade, laid the scientific groundwork for the company's technology, focusing on creating robust, orally administered antibodies that can be produced at scale. The management team is led by CEO Alain Wille, a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the animal health industry at companies like Boehringer Ingelheim and Merial.

Animab's core business revolves around its proprietary technology platform that produces a new class of antibodies that mimic the natural secretory IgA found in mother's milk. These antibodies are designed to be mixed into animal feed or water, providing immediate, targeted protection against specific intestinal pathogens without disturbing the healthy gut microbiome. This approach offers an alternative to antibiotics and zinc oxide for controlling gastrointestinal diseases in production animals. The company's business model involves developing and commercializing these antibody products for the livestock industry, primarily targeting swine producers. Animab has secured significant funding through seed and Series A and B rounds, with investors including Seventure Partners, PMV, V-Bio Ventures, Agri Investment Fund, and Qbic III. Its lead product, Nanoprotec®, is an oral monoclonal antibody designed to combat post-weaning diarrhea in piglets caused by E. coli (ETEC). The company plans a regulatory submission to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) by the end of 2025, with a projected market launch by the end of 2026.