Centivax Raises $37 Million to Advance Universal Flu Vaccine

The funding will accelerate Phase 2 trials and development of follow-on programs across infectious diseases and beyond.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:18pm

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An abstract, ghostly X-ray image revealing the intricate molecular structure of a universal flu vaccine, conveying the scientific complexity and innovation behind Centivax's approach.Centivax's universal flu vaccine candidate aims to provide broad protection against both seasonal and pandemic influenza strains by targeting conserved regions of the virus.South San Francisco Today

Centivax, a clinical-stage biotech company developing universal vaccines and therapies, has closed a $37 million oversubscribed financing round. The funds will enable the company to advance its lead universal flu vaccine candidate, Centi-Flu 01, through Phase 2 trials, as well as accelerate multiple follow-on programs targeting diseases like malaria, cancer, Alzheimer's, and more.

Why it matters

Centivax's universal flu vaccine approach aims to provide broad, reliable, and durable immunity against both seasonal and pandemic influenza strains without the need for annual reformulation. If successful, this could revolutionize how we protect against the flu, a disease that causes significant global health and economic burden each year.

The details

The financing was led by Structure Fund, with participation from Meiji Seika Pharma, Sigmas Group, Kendall Capital Partners, and Patrick and John Collison. This builds on Centivax's $45 million Series A round in 2025. The new funds will support advancing Centi-Flu 01 through Phase 2 trials, as well as accelerating multiple follow-on programs across infectious diseases, oncology, neurodegenerative conditions, and more. Centivax also plans to deploy its scalable, cell-free manufacturing process to reduce time, cost, and risk in advancing its pipeline.

  • Centivax initiated Phase 1 clinical studies for Centi-Flu 01 in February 2026.
  • The Phase 2 trial for Centi-Flu 01 is scheduled to begin in early 2027.

The players

Centivax, Inc.

A clinical-stage biotechnology company engineering vaccines and therapies for durable, universal protection against highly diverse targets.

Dr. Jacob Glanville

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Centivax.

Stephanie Wisner

Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer of Centivax.

Structure Fund

The lead investor in Centivax's $37 million financing round.

Meiji Seika Pharma Co., Ltd.

A participant in Centivax's $37 million financing round and the No. 1 market share holder for influenza vaccines in Japan.

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What they’re saying

“This additional oversubscribed financing reflects the strength of the platform data, the Centivax team's demonstrated ability to execute, and the momentum building around our mission.”

— Dr. Jacob Glanville, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Centivax

“Centivax's repeated ability to secure oversubscribed financing underscores both the strength of the programs and our leadership in a market where many bioscience companies have been forced to slow, consolidate, or pause amid a constrained funding environment.”

— Stephanie Wisner, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer, Centivax

What’s next

Centivax plans to begin its 500-subject Phase 2 trial for Centi-Flu 01 in early 2027, which will evaluate the vaccine's universal breadth, superiority against mismatch strains, and non-inferiority against guidance strains compared to current seasonal flu vaccines.

The takeaway

Centivax's universal flu vaccine approach, if successful, could revolutionize how we protect against influenza by providing broad, reliable, and durable immunity without the need for annual reformulation. The company's ability to secure oversubscribed financing rounds also highlights the strength of its platform and the potential of its growing pipeline of programs targeting infectious diseases, oncology, neurodegenerative conditions, and more.