Vectus Biosystems

Vectus Biosystems Limited (ASX:VBS) is developing a treatment for fibrosis and high blood pressure, which includes the treatment for three of the largest diseases in the fibrotic market, namely heart, kidney and liver diseases. Vectus successfully completed its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX:VBS) and commenced trading on ASX on 23 February 2016, after raising A$5.1 million. Funds from the IPO were predominantly used to develop the Company’s lead compound, VB0004, which aims to treat the hardening of functional tissue and high blood pressure. Vectus has conducted a range of successful pre-clinical trials, which have shown that VB0004 slows down the advances of fibrosis, potentially repairs damaged cell tissue and reduces high blood pressure. VB0004 is now progressing through a number of important milestones, including pharmaceutical scale-up and additional toxicity studies. Following successful results, the late 2019 convertible note fundraising, and the late 2020 share placement, the Company has funding for its Human Phase I trial. Vectus’ strategy is to develop and perform early validation of its drug candidates to the point where they may become commercially attractive to potential pharmaceutical partners. The Company has also developed technology aimed at improving the speed and accuracy of measuring the amount of DNA and RNA in samples tested in laboratories. The technology, called Accugen, is owned by Vectus’ wholly-owned subsidiary Accugen Pty Limited. The technology offers a time, cost and accuracy benefit compared to currently-available systems. The Company’s current stage of investment in Accugen is a commercialisation programme that may include direct sales, distribution partnerships and licensing opportunities.