Quester’s flu boost

A company in which technology specialist VCT manager Quester has invested stands to receive a boost from rising fears over a possible Avian flu outbreak. The investment group backed PowderMed via the Isis College Fund it manages, in an initial £20 million fundraising in May 2004.


A company in which technology specialist VCT manager Quester has invested stands to receive a boost from rising fears over a possible Avian flu outbreak. Quester participated, via the Isis College Fund it manages, in an initial £20 million fundraising for PowderMed in May 2004, alongside Abingworth, Advent and Schroders amongst others.

The venture is developing a DNA-based flu vaccine that can be created in a quarter of the time taken to produce normal vaccines. The patented system enables gold particles coated in the DNA vaccine to be propelled into the skin using high-pressure helium.

PowderMed anticipates its techniques could create enough vaccine in three months to meet the US government’s plan to produce a stockpile ‘to ensure sufficient vaccine to vaccinate the entire US population within six months of the emergence of a virus with pandemic potential’.

The White House wants to ensure this can be produced domestically and President Bush is asking Congress for $2.8 billion to speed the development of vaccines, as new strains emerge. Consequently, the company has a US subsidiary specifically focused on this programme.

PowderMed is also working on vaccines to combat cancer and other viral diseases.

Leslie Copeland

Leslie Copeland

Leslie was made Editor for Growth Company Investor magazine in 2000, then headed up the launch of Business XL magazine, and then became Editorial Director in 2007 for the online and print publication portfolio...

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