Supporting commercialization of Nanoprotec® in Europe
Zwijnaarde, 1 July 2025 – Animab (“the Company”), a leader in pioneering first-in-class oral antibody solutions for unmet needs in production animals, announces the successful closing of a EUR 10 million Series B funding round. The investment will support the commercial launch of Animab Nanoprotec® as well as the advancement of its broader pipeline. This financing round follows shortly after Animab’s exclusive distribution agreement with Huvepharma, reinforcing the strong momentum behind the upcoming commercialization of Nanoprotec® in the European market.
The funding round was led by AIF, PMV and QBIC III, and supported by all existing investors, including Seventure Partners, V-Bio Ventures, and VIB and welcomed Anacura as a new investor.
“This successful round is the result of aligned leadership, longstanding trust from our partners, and a shared commitment to combating antimicrobial resistance through animal-friendly disease control solutions,” said Jan Spaas, Chairman of the Board at Animab. “We are especially pleased to welcome Anacura, whose experience further strengthens our governance, and we sincerely thank all existing investors for their continued confidence in our team.” Alain Wille, CEO of Animab, added: “This milestone reflects our shared belief in Animab’s potential to transform animal health without relying on antibiotics. With the continued support of our investors, we are accelerating the path toward antibiotic-free livestock solutions – enhancing both animal welfare and productivity. This funding also positions us to potentially reach break-even by the end of 2027.”
Felix Van Camp from Anacura stated: “We are thrilled to join Animab at this pivotal moment. Our decision to invest was based not only on the strength of Nanoprotec® and Animab’s promising pipeline, but also on the proven credibility of its leadership. Having worked with Jan in previous ventures, we have full confidence in their ability to guide Animab to market success.”
Lead investors Sofie Baeten from Qbic, Kenneth Wils from PMV and Barbara Berckmans from AIF are adding: “With antimicrobial resistance posing an increasing global health crisis, solutions like Nanoprotec® are more urgent than ever. Animab offers a revolutionary solution to a long-standing challenge in livestock farming. Their antibiotic-free approach marks a major leap toward sustainable animal health – exactly the type of innovation the European farming sector needs.”
Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance with Nanoprotec®
Nanoprotec® is Animab’s first-in-class oral monoclonal antibody designed to target enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) F4, a leading cause of diarrhea in piglets that results in poor growth and high mortality rates. With over 60 million piglets affected annually in the EU, existing disease control strategies depend heavily on antibiotics. Nanoprotec® offers an effective, antibiotic-free alternative by preventing bacterial adhesion to the intestinal wall, thereby neutralizing pathogens before they become harmful. Administered via drinking water, the product delivers immediate immunity and a practical, scalable solution for farmers seeking sustainable livestock health strategies. Clinical trials have demonstrated a significant reduction in ETEC F4-related symptoms, supporting its potential to become a new standard in preventive care. A regulatory submission to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is planned by the end of 2025, with a market launch anticipated by the end of 2026. In addition to advancing animal health, Nanoprotec® also contributes to mitigating the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) – a global crisis projected to cause up to 22 million deaths annually by 2050, according to a recent study (The Lancet, September 2024). By reducing reliance on antibiotics in animal production, Animab approach represents a critical step toward safeguarding both animal and public health.
Animab is a biotech company founded in 2020 as a spin off from VIB, UGent and VUB, dedicated to addressing the changing needs of livestock production. Leveraging proprietary research discoveries, Animab focuses on targeting astrointestinal infections in animals. Its interdisciplinary team integrates cutting-edge research in animal science and biotechnology to advance product breakthroughs, cost-efficiency and sustainability in animal health. Led by experts in vaccines, biotechnology, business management and international marketing, Animab is committed to offering safe and sustainable solutions that enhance animal performance and well-being.
