Leyden Labs secures $70M to advance virus-fighting nasal spray technology

Leyden Labs, based at Leiden Bio Science Park, has raised $70 million to develop a new way to fight respiratory viruses. Their intranasal antibody technology targets viruses like influenza and coronaviruses at the point of entry—the nasal mucosa—offering a practical, non-vaccine approach to stopping infections early. 

This funding, led by ClavystBio and Polaris Partners, will drive human trials for their PanFlu program and expand their global efforts to prepare for pandemics. With recent avian flu developments, this work feels more urgent than ever.

“This strong support from investors validates our approach to providing broad, universal protection against current and future viral outbreaks,” said Koenraad Wiedhaup, co-founder and chief executive officer of Leyden Labs. “At Leyden Labs, we’re working to stop infections early by delivering antibody-based formulations directly to the nasal mucosa – eliminating the threat of respiratory viruses directly at the very gate through which they enter. The timing of this fundraising is critical – in light of recent avian flu (H5N1) developments, we feel even more urgency to execute on our mission to protect people against existing and new viruses.”  

Leiden Bio Science Park is the beating heart of life sciences innovation in the Netherlands, and we are proud to provide an ecosystem where companies like Leyden Labs can thrive and shape the future of health. Our unique combination of world-class facilities, a strong network of academic and industry leaders, and a collaborative spirit enables our companies to make tangible global health impacts. Leyden Labs’ success is a shining example of how the Leiden Bio Science Park ecosystem fosters innovation that truly changes lives. 

Read the full press release on the Leyden Labs website.