Pneumagen

About Pneumagen

Pneumagen is a clinical-stage biotechnology company spun out from the University of St Andrews in 2016. The company was co-founded by CEO Douglas Thomson, who has a background in infectious disease vaccine development, and Thomas Engelen, who has experience in life sciences and private equity-backed investments. Pneumagen is focused on developing Neumifil, a broad-spectrum, intranasal antiviral for the prophylaxis and treatment of a wide range of viral respiratory tract infections (RTIs).

The company's core technology is its proprietary GlycoTarge™ platform, which develops glycan-targeted carbohydrate-binding modules (mCBMs). This technology works by masking sialic acid receptors on host cells within the respiratory tract, which prevents viral pathogens from entering and establishing an infection. This mechanism targets the host rather than the virus, potentially reducing susceptibility to viral resistance. The lead product, Neumifil, is an engineered multivalent Carbohydrate Binding Module (mCBM) delivered as a self-administered nasal spray.

Pneumagen's primary clients are patients with chronic respiratory diseases, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), who are at high risk of virus-induced exacerbations. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown Neumifil's efficacy against various viruses, including Influenza Virus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and coronaviruses. A Phase 2 human challenge study demonstrated that Neumifil significantly reduced the incidence and severity of symptomatic influenza infection compared to a placebo. The company has raised significant funding, including a Series A round and an £8 million financing in June 2023, to advance Neumifil through further clinical trials, with a Phase 2b study planned for 2024.