History

ImmunoBiology Ltd ("ImmBio") was founded by Dr Camilo Colaco, based on his insights as to how the immune system operates in biological systems, hence how a new generation of vaccines can be developed.

With seed corn funding and a UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) SMART Feasibility award, work was initiated at the UK’s National Institute of Standards & Control (NIBSC) on TB - both vaccination and therapy - and at the Elizabeth Macarthur Institute in New South Wales, Australia, studying the utility of the approach by measuring transmission for pestivirus.

With a further DTI SMART Development award and a funding round which broadened the investor base, an influenza programme was initiated.

Following a substantial funding round at the end of 2005 and a collaborative agreement with Aeras for TB, ImmBio has subsequently progressed is original programmes as well as broadened its portfolio. Based on its TB experience and know-how, a programme against invasive meningococcal disease has progressed rapidly, followed by a candidate vaccine against streptococcus pneumonia. In addition, a new viral programme was initiated, targeting hepatitis C.

ImmBio has established strong relationship with key centres of expertise for the various programmes to augment its work at its own facilities in Cambridge, UK.

Both ImmBio and its collaborators have been successful in securing a number of grants and awards to support the work. In addition, a research agreement has been reached with a major vaccine manufacturer, as well as a co-development partnership with the HPA.

A sister company, ImmBio Therapeutics was established in 2006, with the assistance of an East of England Development Agency award, to utilize the HspC technology for therapeutic targets, mediated through monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).