Introduction
Silicon Valley-based Centivax, co-founded by biotech veteran Jake Glanville, announced a $45 million Series A round this week to back its development of a universal flu vaccine based on mRNA technology. The round was led by Future Ventures and included support from the Gates Foundation, the U.S. military, and NFX.
The Problem With Seasonal Vaccines
Every year, seasonal flu vaccines must be reformulated to target new strains, often resulting in variable effectiveness. A universal flu vaccine—a single shot offering broad protection—has been a decades-long goal. Centivax’s approach could finally break through and change how the world manages influenza.
About mRNA and the Startup
mRNA vaccines gained fame during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, public skepticism remains over safety and misinformation. Centivax leverages refined mRNA technology to target flu viruses more effectively, starting with animal tests and progressing toward human clinical trials.
Funding and Vision
Centivax aims to use the funds to accelerate trials, scale up manufacturing, and secure regulatory approvals. Investors see this as a long-term bet on pandemic preparedness, beyond just flu, with potential applications in other infectious diseases.
Reactions From Experts
Medical experts have praised the ambitious mission, noting that a universal flu vaccine could save thousands of lives annually and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.
Impact and Future Outlook
If successful, Centivax’s vaccine could transform public health by offering reliable protection against influenza pandemics. The company is expected to enter Phase I human trials by late 2025 and hopes to bring a product to market within 5–7 years.
