Firm is developing vaccines based on a proprietary adjuvant and delivery system.

Immune Design (IDC) secured $32 million in a Series B fundraising round. IDC is advancing a vaccine pipeline utilizing two proprietary technologies: glucopyranosyl lipid A (GLA), a synthetic toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) agonist, and DC-NILV, a delivery vector.

GLA is an adjuvant reportedly being developed as a component in multiple in-house and partnered vaccine programs. It is a pure synthetic small molecule, straightforward to manufacture with excellent stability, and rationally designed to optimally activate human TLR-4 receptors, according to Immune Design. It induces Th1 CD4 helper cells and elicits humoral immunity, is active in multiple formulations, and is compatible with most antigens, the company adds. GLA was also shown to be safe and well-tolerated in human subjects in a Phase I clinical study in combination with Fluzone®. 

DC-NILV is engineered to target human dendritic cells and express target antigens as well as immunomodulatory elements to elicit functional and broad-based immunity. It is initially being applied in cancer indications of significant unmet need.

Today’s financing brings the total amount of equity capital raised since its inception in 2008 to $50 million. The round was led by ProQuest Investments and was joined by current investors The Column Group, Versant Ventures, and Alta Partners.

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