EQT Life Sciences Invests in RQ Bio's $115 Million Series A Financing

EQT Life Sciences, part of EQT Group, has joined a $115 million (GBP 86 million) Series A financing round for UK-based biotechnology firm RQ Bio. The company is developing antibody therapies aimed at preventing seasonal influenza in high-risk and immunocompromised populations. The funding will support the clinical development of RQ Bio's lead program, RQB01, and advance its pipeline for other infectious diseases.

The financing round was led by Frazier Life Sciences and included new investors such as EQT Life Sciences, Forbion, Monograph, and Wellington Management, along with existing investors LifeArc, Oxford Science Enterprises, and Oxford University Innovation. RQ Bio, founded in 2021, focuses on developing single-administration antibody therapies designed to provide season-long protection against the flu, targeting individuals who may not respond adequately to existing vaccination strategies.

"Influenza continues to pose a significant burden for high-risk populations, despite the availability of existing treatments," said Felice Verduyn - van Weegen, Partner at EQT Life Sciences. "RQ Bio's single-administration approach to durable, season-long protection addresses a clear unmet need among the patients who remain most vulnerable." The company also announced the appointment of Christian S. Schade as Executive Chairman.

EQT Life Sciences plans to leverage its experience in supporting biotechnology companies through clinical development to assist RQ Bio. This support will focus on scaling the organization, enhancing its development capabilities, and contributing to the company's overall long-term growth.