Funding to accelerate scalable commercial production of pharmaceutical grade QS-21 for human vaccines, R&D lab expansion, opening new markets for vaccine developers
August 20, 2024
Today, Botanical Solution Inc. (BSI) announced it has closed another $7.6 million financing, as part of Series A, that will fund the commencement of in-house production of QS-21, pharmaceutical grade vaccine adjuvant. Using cost-effective and scalable proprietary methods, BSI will expand QS-21 use in broader vaccine applications.
Mr. Salinas made the announcement at Harvard University’s Global Health, Biodiversity, and Therapeutic Hybrid Seminar being held in San Jose, Costa Rica, where he is speaking about the industrial production of QS-21 and botanicals for human health.
QS-21 is a vital component in FDA-approved vaccines against Shingles and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). BSI’s lab-based cultivation method, derived from tissue-cultured Quillaja saponaria plants, is more sustainable and cost-effective than traditional extraction from tree bark. BSI’s approach ensures a steady supply of sustainable, high-quality QS-21 without deforestation.
BSI is revolutionizing sustainable QS-21 production with plant tissue culture technology, addressing industry challenges and ensuring a robust, eco-friendly supply. The total Series A funding now stands at $23.3 million and will allow BSI to complete several transformative milestones, including the acceleration of GMP production of QS-21 for human vaccines. The funds will also enhance BSI’s R&D capabilities, including expanding labs in Davis, California, supporting long-term quality and supply of QS-21. BSI has already announced one key partnership for the QS-21 pharmaceutical adjuvant with Croda Pharma, and the larger production will open further opportunities for vaccine developers.
“This financing round is a pivotal step in advancing our mission to deliver sustainable, high-quality botanical products,” said Gaston Salinas, CEO of Botanical Solution Inc. “BSI’s unique and proprietary platform for a truly sustainable and scalable production of plant-based products without sourcing raw materials from nature or conventional plantations, has given birth to world class products for human and plant health.”
The botanical ingredients market is projected to reach $312.6 billion by 2033[1]. BSI’s innovative and sustainable solutions for both human pharmaceuticals and agricultural products position it as a leader in this high-value growth sector.
About BSI
BSI, a Delaware Corporation has a proprietary R&D platform for truly sustainable and improved production of consistent and high- quality Advanced Botanical Materials (ABM). ABM-01 is the first ABM produced by the company, based on a tissue cultured plant called Quillaja saponaria. ABM-01 is the active ingredient used in two gold standard products, BSI’s biopesticide Quillibrium® and the adjuvant QS-21, used in modern vaccine development.
Media Contact
Jon Amdursky
jon.amdursky@botanicalsolutions.cl
[1] According to The Global Botanicals Market Report by Market.us published December 2023.