The INCATE Team is happy to share some exciting news: the INCATE Selection Committee has awarded Stage II support to Brigid Bio, a University of Aberdeen spin-out. This award recognizes Brigid Bio’s groundbreaking work in developing antibody-based immunotherapies to tackle invasive fungal infections, a growing and urgent health challenge.

Why Brigid Bio?

Invasive fungal infections are an escalating public health threat. Rising drug resistance and limited treatment options put vulnerable populations — critically ill or immunocompromised patients — at significant risk. Fungi classified as “critical priority” by the WHO can be deadly, with mortality rates reaching up to 88%¹. Despite this urgent need, the pipeline for new antifungal therapies and diagnostics remains insufficient².

Brigid Bio is working to change that. Their approach is bold and innovative:
– Designing fully human antibodies that target proteins unique to fungal pathogens.
– Enhancing the immune system’s ability to clear infections safely and effectively.
– Starting with Candida species, with a vision to expand to moulds and other fungi.

The approach has the potential to transform how fungal infections are treated and curb antifungal resistance. By selecting Brigid Bio, the INCATE Selection Committee recognized the strength of both the innovation and the team behind it.

“Brigid Bio`s monoclonal antibody-based therapy explores fungal-specific glycoprotein antigens offering potential for broad activity against most health-threatening fungi while combating the resistance problem. We are excited to welcome BrigidBio into the INCATE portfolio and support the advancement of their platform.” – Sina Gerbach, INCATE Management Team

What Stage II Support Means

Being awarded Stage II brings:

– Significant non-dilutive funding to accelerate research and development.
– Guidance from INCATE’s expert network across science, regulation, and business strategy.
– Access to partners and investors who can help Brigid Bio grow and succeed.

Stage II is all about helping ventures cross the critical gap between early discovery and clinical readiness — and Brigid Bio is now positioned to take that leap.

Congratulations to the Brigid Bio team!

1. category of the WHO’s fungal priority pathogens list
2. In its recently published first report on antifungals in clinical and preclinical development (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240105140), the WHO addresses the critical shortage of drugs and diagnostic tools for invasive fungal diseases.