Stablepharma Secures Prestigious €2.5 Million EIC Accelerator Grant, Recognised Among Europe’s Leading Innovators
UK-based biotechnology company Stablepharma Ltd has secured €2.5 million in funding from the highly competitive European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program. This significant achievement highlights the company’s pioneering efforts in developing fridge-free pharmaceutical solutions and reinforces its position as a leader in life sciences innovation.
The EIC Accelerator grant is awarded to innovative companies demonstrating groundbreaking technological advancements with strong potential for global impact. The funding is designed to support high-risk, high-potential small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their efforts to scale and commercialize disruptive innovations. Stablepharma’s receipt of this grant underscores the company’s commitment to revolutionizing vaccine storage and distribution with its cutting-edge StablevaX™ technology.
A Landmark Achievement for Stablepharma
Stablepharma is among an elite group of 71 companies from 16 countries across Europe selected for this round of EIC Accelerator funding. The 2024 call for applications attracted a record-breaking 1,211 proposals, making it the most competitive funding round in the history of Horizon Europe, the European Union’s flagship research and innovation funding program.
“This EIC Accelerator grant is a clear recognition of Stablepharma’s continued innovation and commitment to making fridge-free vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics a reality,” said Ozgur Tuncer, CEO & Executive Director of Stablepharma. “We are incredibly proud to be one of five UK companies awarded this grant. It serves as a testament to the quality and calibre of the UK’s Life Sciences industry and its ongoing advancements.”
Tuncer’s remarks highlight not only the importance of this funding but also the validation of Stablepharma’s mission to address global healthcare challenges. The company’s innovative approach aims to overcome the limitations of cold chain logistics, a critical issue that affects the accessibility and efficacy of vaccines and other temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals worldwide.
EIC Accelerator: A Gateway to Transformational Growth
The selected companies will collectively receive up to €161 million in grants, with equity investments facilitated through the EIC Fund. The EIC Fund is Europe’s largest deep-tech investor and is expected to attract additional investors, leveraging more than three times the initial EIC investment. This funding model ensures that breakthrough innovations like Stablepharma’s StablevaX™ technology receive the necessary financial backing to transition from research and development to commercial application.
The EIC Accelerator is known for its rigorous selection process, which assesses projects based on technological excellence, potential impact, and market viability. Stablepharma’s ability to secure this funding is a testament to the strength of its scientific research, the ingenuity of its platform, and the real-world value of its solutions.
Revolutionizing Vaccine Storage with StablevaX™
At the core of Stablepharma’s success is its proprietary StablevaX™ technology. This innovative platform transforms approved vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics into thermostable products that eliminate the need for refrigeration. By addressing the vulnerabilities of cold chain logistics, StablevaX™ has the potential to significantly reduce vaccine wastage, lower distribution costs, and expand global access to essential medicines.
Dr. Steve Chatfield, Non-Executive Chairman of Stablepharma, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “We are delighted to have received this grant, given the quality of applicants across Europe. This is a huge accolade to the Stablepharma team who have worked tirelessly to progress our StablevaX™ technology.”
Currently, an estimated 50% of vaccines are wasted due to temperature control failures during storage and transportation. The introduction of thermostable vaccines could drastically improve global immunization efforts, particularly in low-income regions where maintaining an uninterrupted cold chain is challenging.
Advancing Toward Clinical Trials
The grant comes at a pivotal time for Stablepharma as it prepares to advance its lead candidate, SPVX02, into Phase 1 clinical trials. SPVX02 is a fridge-free tetanus and diphtheria vaccine, representing a significant step toward realizing the company’s vision of a more resilient and accessible global vaccine supply chain.
The Phase 1 clinical trial is scheduled to commence in March 2025, with completion expected in early Q3 2025 and results anticipated by Q4 2025. The trial has also received partial funding from Innovate UK, further demonstrating the growing confidence in Stablepharma’s innovative approach to vaccine preservation.
This milestone represents a crucial phase in the company’s development, as successful clinical trials will pave the way for regulatory approvals and commercial partnerships. If proven effective, SPVX02 could become a game-changer in global vaccination programs, ensuring that life-saving immunizations reach vulnerable populations without the logistical constraints imposed by refrigeration requirements.
Global Implications of Stablepharma’s Innovations
The implications of Stablepharma’s technology extend far beyond the vaccine industry. The ability to create thermostable pharmaceuticals and diagnostics could revolutionize the entire healthcare landscape, impacting emergency medicine, rural healthcare delivery, and pandemic preparedness.
By eliminating cold chain dependency, Stablepharma’s approach aligns with global sustainability goals by reducing energy consumption associated with refrigeration and lowering carbon emissions from temperature-controlled transport. The potential economic benefits are also substantial, with healthcare providers and governments saving billions in storage, transportation, and waste management costs.
Looking Ahead: Future Prospects and Commercialization
With the support of the EIC Accelerator grant, Stablepharma is poised to accelerate its research, development, and commercialization efforts. The company’s roadmap includes expanding its pipeline of fridge-free vaccines, securing strategic partnerships, and exploring new applications for its StablevaX™ platform in pharmaceuticals beyond vaccines.
As Stablepharma continues to gain recognition and funding, it is well-positioned to play a transformative role in the future of global health. The success of its technology could redefine how vaccines and essential medicines are distributed, making healthcare more accessible and equitable for populations worldwide.
