United Health Foundation was established by UnitedHealth Group in 1999 as a not-for-profit, private foundation dedicated to improving health and health care. To date, United Health Foundation has committed nearly $315 million to programs and communities around the world.

United Health Foundation

Summit Agricultural Group is a diverse farming, agricultural investment, and farm management company. It is connected to an extensive network of farmers, investors, and advisors working together to support capital investments and manage agricultural assets across the agriculture industry with a focus on established companies in the Midwestern United States.

Summit Agricultural Group

The Ag Startup Engine  effort was launched two years ago to help address two fundamental gaps that prevent agricultural startups and entrepreneurs from being more successful in Iowa: early seed stage investment and organized mentorship from successful Iowan and Midwestern entrepreneurs.

Ag Startup Engine

Iowa Corn Growers Association works to develop and defend markets, fund research, and provide education about corn and corn products. The Iowa Corn Promotion Board® (ICPB), works to develop and defend markets, fund research, and provide education about corn and corn products. The Iowa Corn Growers Association® (ICGA) is a membership organization lobbying on agricultural issues on behalf of its 8,000 members. Both organizations work on the joint mission to create opportunities for long-term Iowa corn grower profitability. Iowa Corn Growers Association was established in 1967 in Johnston, Iowa.

Iowa Corn Growers Association

Johnsonville Ventures is a venture capital firm.

Johnsonville Ventures

Genvax Technologies

Genvax Technologies is a startup animal vaccine company.

<div>Genvax Technologies specializes in developing advanced mRNA and nanoparticle vaccines to enhance animal health. Its approach focuses on self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) technologies, allowing the rapid development and deployment of custom and herd-specific vaccines. According to the company, these custom and herd-specific vaccines can be quickly updated to combat circulating variants of animal diseases. In addition, the vaccines include traceable data and are produced sustainably.</div>

Driving livestock productivity using next-generation biotechnology

Livestock Biotech

Genvax Technologies is a startup animal vaccine company located in Ames, Iowa. It is developing a proprietary self-amplifying messenger RNA (saRNA) vaccine platform for the prevention and treatment of animal diseases. The company's platform allows for rapid development of herd or flock-specific vaccines that are a 100% match to the variant strain circulating in an animal-production operation. By inserting a specific transgene or "gene of interest" matched to the variant strain into the platform, the saRNA can generate an antibody response without requiring the whole pathogen.

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Ames startup Genvax Technologies raises $6.5M seed round

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The Creation of Genvax Technologies

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Promoting the health, well-being, and ethical treatment of animals

Animal Therapeutics

<div>
 
 Genvax Technologies specializes in developing advanced mRNA and nanoparticle vaccines to enhance animal health. Its approach focuses on self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) technologies, allowing the rapid development and deployment of custom and herd-specific vaccines. According to the company, these custom and herd-specific vaccines can be quickly updated to combat circulating variants of animal diseases. In addition, the vaccines include traceable data and are produced sustainably.
 
 
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 
 
 Genvax Technologies&rsquo; latest funding round was in August 2022, when it raised USD 6.5 million in seed funding led by United Animal Health, with participation from Johnsonville Ventures, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Summit Agricultural Group, and Ag Startup Engine. The funding was earmarked for advancing its USDA and international regulatory efforts.&nbsp;
 
 
 
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 Aviabiotic (formerly Chicken Probiotic) is a biotechnology company innovating in poultry health. The company specializes in creating probiotics engineered for enhanced thermostability, elimination of antibiotic resistance, and dependency on corn sugar, making them environmentally friendly. These probiotics are designed specifically for integrated poultry operations, addressing both health and efficiency in poultry production.
 
 
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 
 
 Aviabiotic's latest funding was a grant received in 2020, which has facilitated the development and commercialization of its specialized probiotics.&nbsp;
 
 
 
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Aviabiotic

<div>
 
 ZeaVaxx is an animal healthcare company using advanced biotechnology to improve vaccine effectiveness for animals. Its plant-derived nanoparticle adjuvant platform claims to offer advantages over aluminum-based ones that are falling short in current animal vaccine formulations due to low efficacy and compatibility issues. This platform is designed to enhance the immunogenicity of vaccines to ensure that the vaccines can provoke a stronger and more effective immune response in animals.
 
 
 
 
 ZeaVaxx flagship product, Zea-11, is a proprietary glucan-based nanoparticle derived from plants. Zea-11 claims to offer simplified extraction and chemical finalization, making it the first economically viable nanoparticle adjuvant for animal vaccines.&nbsp;
 
 
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 
 
 In June 2018, the company secured USD 50,000 in pre-seed funding from the Purdue Ag-celerator.
 
 
 
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ZeaVaxx

<div>
 
 Malcisbo, a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich), is a Swiss biotechnology company developing novel vaccines for animal and human health. The company focuses on glycoengineering technologies to create efficient glycoconjugate vaccines to address bacterial diseases that impact animal health, human food safety, and zoonotic diseases.
 
 
 
 
 Its primary product offerings target Campylobacter infections in humans (to reduce food poisoning from chicken meat) and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (to reduce economic losses in the swine industry due to mortality, growth retardation, and the need for antibiotics).
 
 
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 
 
 As of May 2024, the company had been awarded 10 grants totaling CHF 3.5 million (~USD 3.8 million).
 
 
 
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Malcisbo

<div>
 
 eggXYt is an Israeli biotech company that specializes in ultrasound technology for eggs. The company has developed a non-invasive, pre-incubation sex detection technology for chicken embryos, named seXYt, which allows poultry farmers to separate male and female layer chicks before incubation. This process claims to prevent unnecessary incubation of over 8 billion male layer chicks annually, which are otherwise disposed of after birth due to their unsuitability for the industry. These eggs are then repurposed and used outside the food industry, leading to lower costs and reduced resource waste in hatcheries.
 
 
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 
 
 In November 2020, the company signed an R&amp;D licensing agreement with Tropic Biosciences to develop Avian influenza resistance in chickens through gene editing.
 
 
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 
 
 eggXYt has received over USD 2.5 million in funding from the European Union through the Horizon 2020 SME Program for its sex detection technology and to expand its research into new areas such as disease resistance in poultry.
 
 
 
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eggXYt

<div>
 
 BioRefic is a Latvian biotech company that develops biorefinery technology to produce advanced prebiotic ingredients and microbial Omega-3 fatty acids. It primarily serves the animal feed and aquaculture sectors by providing sustainable alternatives to traditional feed ingredients. Biorefic&rsquo;s products, which include xylooligosaccharide prebiotic (a gut microbiome enhancing ingredient to improve health and immunity and boost performance), are designed to enhance animal health and efficiency, thus reducing the overall environmental impact of agriculture.
 
 
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 
 
 BioRefic has raised a total of EUR 250,000 in funding over two rounds, with its most recent funding coming from a non-equity assistance round supported by RootCamp. 
 
 
 
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BioRefic

Companies that offer solutions that edit (gene editing) or modify (gene modification) an animal's genome in a precise and targeted manner using methods such as TALEN's, CRISPR/Cas9, recombinant retroviruses, and sperm-mediated DNA transfer. The techniques change the existing genome to improve/express desired traits in livestock. The segment also covers companies that use an AI-based platform or otherwise to offer diagnostic testing services of the animal's genome that help livestock farmers identify genetic changes or diseases present in herds.

Companies that offer next-generation vaccines based on developments in DNA technology (e.g., mRNA vaccines) and biotechnology. The segment also includes medicines developed for the prevention and treatment of livestock diseases.

Companies that use a range of genetic techniques that can alter the DNA of animals more precisely than traditional breeding techniques. Techniques such as gender selection via sexed semen, genomic selection, or even gene editing methods like CRISPR are used to breed animals precisely with superior genetic traits.

Companies that produce natural ingredients or biological additives that can be added to animal feed for purposes such as improving nutrient uptake and the gut microbiome.

Biotech solutions to grow livestock that are of better traits and sustainable

Uses AI/machine learning to facilitate their platform/biotech processes like gene editing

Offers customization of genes and traits as required by farmers

Genvax Technologies is a startup animal vaccine company located in Ames, Iowa. It is developing a proprietary self-amplifying messenger RNA (saRNA) vaccine platform for the prevention and treatment of animal diseases. The company's platform allows for rapid development of herd or flock-specific vaccines that are a 100% match to the variant strain circulating in an animal-production operation. By inserting a specific transgene or "gene of interest" matched to the variant strain into the platform, the saRNA can generate an antibody response without requiring the whole pathogen.
One of Genvax's primary focuses is developing a saRNA vaccine for African Swine Fever (ASF), a deadly virus that can cause up to 100% mortality in pigs. In April 2022, the company received over USD 145,000 in grant funding from the USDA-Agricultural Research Services Plum Island Animal Disease Center and the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research to develop a saRNA vaccine for ASF. This vaccine will be tested at USDA's Plum Island facility and, if successful, Genvax will seek approval from the USDA's Center for Veterinary Biologics to deploy the vaccine in the US in case of an ASF outbreak.
In August 2022, Genvax secured USD 6.5 million in series seed funding led by United Animal Health, with participation from Johnsonville Ventures, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Summit Agricultural Group, and Ag startup Engine. This funding moved the company closer to obtaining regulatory approvals for its vaccines. The company was co-founded in February 2021 by Joel Harris and Dr. Hank Harris, animal health entrepreneurs who previously founded and sold Harrisvaccines to Merck Animal Health in 2015.

KeraVet Bio is a veterinary wound care company that develops keratin-based prescription products for dogs and cats. The company's flagship product, KeraVet Gel, is a wound management solution formulated to address mild and severe wounds, post-surgical incisions, and various dermatological conditions in pets. KeraVet Gel is made from a proprietary blend of keratin and utilizes patent-protected keratin technology. The product serves as a protective covering over wounds and is designed to improve healing time while reducing the need for cones or other lick deterrents. Clinical studies have shown that wounds treated with KeraVet Gel experienced significantly less swelling compared to those treated with triple antibiotic ointment in dogs and cats. The gel also demonstrated a reduction in licking behavior, with dogs licking 85% less and cats licking 87% less compared to a well-known wound management product. KeraVet Gel is available by prescription from veterinary practitioners and is distributed through major veterinary product distributors. The company is headquartered in the Innovation Quarter in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

KeraVet Bio

Eir Pharmaceuticals was a development-stage biotechnology company that operated in multiple markets, including animal health, human consumer, and human health. The company's proprietary biotechnology platform was designed to develop and commercialize health, wellness, and pharmaceutical products across these diverse sectors. Eir Pharmaceuticals aimed to leverage its technology to capture value from various applications and target different customer segments within the broader healthcare industry.

EIR Pharmaceuticals

ProteaPex Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapies and dietary supplements for osteoarthritis. Their key product offering is ECPF-1, a novel therapeutic compound that has demonstrated chondroprotective properties in a rat model of osteoarthritis. In October 2023, the company presented findings from a study where ECPF-1 was administered through weekly injections to rats with osteoarthritis. The results showed that the knee cartilage of treated animals had less degradation and more healthy cartilage compared to untreated controls, even four weeks after the last injection. This suggests that ECPF-1 has the potential to slow the progression of osteoarthritis by protecting cartilage from further damage.
ProteaPex Therapeutics' platform technology revolves around Extracellular Matrix Protection Factors (ECPFs), a class of compounds derived from their research on cartilage biology and chondrocyte differentiation. In addition to ECPF-1, the company is also developing dietary supplement products based on this platform.

ProteaPex Therapeutics

MedcoVet offers a patented at-home laser therapy treatment device for pets suffering from arthritis, pain, and other inflammatory conditions. The company's technology allows veterinarians to prescribe clinical laser therapy for their patients to be administered in the comfort of their homes. MedcoVet's devices utilize photobiomodulation, a scientifically proven technique that relieves pain and expedites healing in animals.
The company partners with veterinarians, shipping the treatment devices directly to pet owners while providing telemedicine support to ensure proper usage. This approach enables veterinarians to offer laser therapy as a primary treatment modality without the inconvenience and expenses associated with in-clinic sessions. As of 2023, MedcoVet had 77 prescribers across 13 states in the US, experiencing a 50% quarter-on-quarter growth in prescribers during the previous quarter.
Several veterinary professionals and pet owners have reported significant improvements in their patients' mobility, reduced swelling and discomfort, and the ability to lower medication doses after using MedcoVet's at-home laser therapy devices. The company's technology has been praised for revolutionizing the application of laser therapy in veterinary medicine, making it more accessible and convenient for pet owners.

MedcoVet

Hilltop BioSciences, co-founded by Amanda Drobnis, is a veterinary biotech company pioneering the development of innovative regenerative therapies. Their flagship product, Regenaflex, is a room temperature, easy-to-use regenerative allograft available in injectable or membrane form. It stimulates cell-to-cell communication essential for healing soft tissue by delivering a potent combination of cytokines, microRNA, growth factors, and exosomes to the affected area. Regenaflex accelerates tissue healing, reduces inflammation, and minimizes scar tissue formation, making it a more effective and faster therapy compared to traditional treatments.
Initially focused on equine applications, with over 7 million horses in the US, Hilltop BioSciences has expanded into the companion animal market. Their product line includes Regenaflex-K9 for treating acute trauma, chronic infections, inflammation, non-healing wounds, anal gland abscesses, and fistulae in dogs. Regenaflex-M Biofilm is an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-adhesion scaffold that accelerates healing and prevents postoperative complications like adhesions and suture leakage after abdominal or orthopedic surgeries. PureOptic, their eye drop formulation, normalizes damaged ocular tissue resulting from injuries or diseases.
A key differentiator of Hilltop Bio's products is their long-term room-temperature storage, consistent composition in every dose, and the ability to be reconstituted and ready to use within a minute without any special equipment or time-consuming processing. As of January 2023, the company had raised funding led by Launchpad Venture Group and other Boston-based investment groups to expand its product pipeline leveraging its intellectual property portfolio.

Hilltop BioSciences

Companies that offer specialized therapeutics for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer in animals. This includes areas such as cancer diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

Companies that develop vaccines and drugs for pets and livestock based on advanced research and biotechnologies such as DNA technology, with a specific focus on the treatment and prevention of diseases and medical conditions in animals.

Companies that use regenerative techniques and technologies to promote tissue repair, regeneration, and healing in animals. This involves stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, tissue engineering, gene therapy, and wound healing treatments.

Companies that provide veterinary diagnostic services, which include a wide range of tests, procedures, and laboratory services to diagnose, monitor, and manage the health and well-being of animals. This includes laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging, endoscopy, and genetic testing.

Companies that provide specialized treatments aimed at extending the lifespan and improving the overall health and quality of life of animals, including companion animals and livestock. These approaches are designed to address the challenges of aging, prevent age-related diseases, and enhance the well-being of aging animals.

Offers advanced diagnostics and insights for animal health using AI/ML

Offers products and services specifically designed for diagnostics and treatments based on advanced genomic sciences

Offers personalized preventive care and specialty care for animals

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

<div>
 Genvax Technologies, a company that focuses on animal health vaccines, has secured approximately USD 3.4 million in equity financing. This funding was supported by nine investors, as per SEC filings.
</div> Analyst QuickTake: 
 This funding round brings Genvax Technologies' total raised to ~USD 10 million. The company develops advanced mRNA and nanoparticle vaccines to counter the spreading variants of animal diseases.

Genvax Technologies

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