ArkVax

Combatting Antimicrobial Resistance via a Novel Vaccine Technology

The UN and WHO have recognised that antibiotic overuse in livestock and resulting antimicrobial resistance is a threat to both human and animal health. ArkVax aims to revolutionise animal vaccinology by developing glycan based solutions with the potential to disrupt the antibacterial vaccine space.

£12B

Annual animal vaccine industry revenues

>60Bn

Animals Treated Annually

240k

Tonnes of antibiotics used

Leading Innovative Vaccine Development Through Advanced Bacterial Engineering

ArkVax specializes in developing glycoconjugate vaccines. These have the potential to transform animal health by offering greater potency and broader protection than current vaccines. ArkVax’s vaccines also have the potential to combat antimicrobial resistance in animal but also humans by conferring protection from zoonotic diseases. Leveraging £30M in grants, extensive glycobiology know-how and strong IP, ArkVax is well positioned to revolutionize the animal health market.

Our technology in simple terms

Our expertise is in the genetic engineering of bacterial cells. We modify them to carry a pay load of a vaccine based on one of the most successful vaccine families used in human medicine.

Step 1

Bacterial cells are modified to make a sugar based vaccine on its surface and inside of themselves

Step 2

The modified cells are now stable and capable of generating an inexhaustible supply of vaccine

Step 3

The vaccine is manufactured and delivered in a cost effective manner

Our team & advisors

Jon Cuccui

Chief Executive Officer

ArkVax's founder and CEO. A bacterial geneticist and microbiologist by training and a former Associate Professor of glycoengineering. His academic research secured over £10M of funding and developed glycoengineering technologies on projects funded by both UKRI and industry.

Emily Kay

Chief Scientific Officer

A specialist for 10+ years in bacterial glycoengineering, she started at the Sanger Institute, and now leads vaccine development at ArkVax. She has published and led several studies demonstrating how to program bacterial cells to make heterologous polysaccharides.

Jolyon Martin

Non Executive Director

An entrepreneur and director, bridges fundamental science and commercial applications. With a PhD from Cambridge, he founded PetMedix, leading licensing deals and raising $50M. Advises UK government and mentors globally.

Susan Longhofer

Non Executive Director

Over 30 years in the industry, served as Chief Scientific Officer at Dechra Pharmaceuticals, overseeing global product development, registrations, and business development. Retired since 2021, she holds advanced degrees in Veterinary Science.

Frans Dirven

Investor Director

Frans founded Lintjeshof clinic, specialising in pig production and disease monitoring while reducing antibiotics. After 40 years, Lintjeshof was sold to private equity, he now invests in animal health projects with his children.

Nazira Amra

Non Executive Director

Seasoned pharmaceutical leader for 25 years, serves as VP at Exscientia. She excels in strategy and operations, driving product success in global markets.

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Oliver Sexton

Board Observer

Oliver is Investment Director at UKI2S, manages the engineering biology fund, investing in therapeutic, agritech, and clean biotech. With multiple board roles, he oversaw Quethera’s £85m sale and advises on ESG strategies.

Thomas Weaver

Chairman

Tom, a PhD-trained serial entrepreneur and angel investor, specialises in genetics, genomics, and drug discovery. He has built and exited companies like Congenica, PetMedix, and CanCan, focusing on innovative diagnostics and therapeutics.

Danny Goovaerts

Scientific Advisory Board Chair

23 years of experience working for top-tier Animal Health company, specializing in vaccine R&D and strategy for diverse species globally. Owner of DGVAC Consultancy, offering life science advisory services since June 2013.

Julie Fitzpatrick

Scientific Advisory Board

Julie Fitzpatrick, OBE, veterinary graduate with a PhD in immunology, is Scotland's Chief Scientific Adviser. Former Moredun CEO, she specialises in livestock diseases, vaccines, and diagnostics, with global R&D experience.

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