– Sojitz Executes Strategic Investment via Pegasus-Managed CVC Fund and Successfully Forms a Business Alliance with VLP Therapeutics –
Joint Implementation of a Next-Generation Vaccine Development Project
＜Overview＞
In 2021, Sojitz Corporation, one of Japan’s leading general trading companies, began a strategic collaboration with VLP Therapeutics, a U.S.-based biotechnology startup, to co-develop next-generation vaccines. The primary objective of the partnership is to contribute to global infectious disease preparedness by leveraging innovative vaccine technology and expanding production capacity.
VLP Therapeutics, headquartered in Maryland, was founded to revolutionize vaccine therapy by developing both therapeutic and preventive vaccines using proprietary virus-like particle (VLP) technology. VLPs are harmless particles that structurally mimic viruses but do not contain viral genetic material, allowing them to safely stimulate a strong immune response. The company is engaged in R&D for vaccines targeting cancer, malaria, dengue fever, and emerging infectious diseases.
Sojitz, with business interests spanning energy, chemicals, food, and healthcare, has been actively investing in innovative ventures through a corporate venture capital fund established with Pegasus Tech Ventures in 2019. Through this fund, Sojitz was introduced to VLP Therapeutics and subsequently made an initial investment, followed by a deeper strategic partnership to jointly accelerate vaccine development.
＜Challenges and Solutions＞
As the world continues to face threats from emerging infectious diseases, the need for rapid and flexible vaccine development has become more urgent. Traditional vaccines often struggle to respond to fast-mutating viruses, and production limitations further hinder global distribution. In addition, ensuring the safety and public acceptance of vaccines remains a key concern, particularly with regard to side effects and long-term outcomes.
To address these challenges, Sojitz and VLP Therapeutics have focused their joint efforts on advancing mRNA and VLP-based vaccine platforms. These next-generation technologies offer adaptability to emerging variants, enhanced safety profiles, and potentially faster manufacturing cycles.
VLP Therapeutics' core technology enables the body to generate antibodies by administering a VLP that mimics a virus without causing infection. Sojitz has supported VLP’s research and development not only through capital investment but also by
offering resources and strategic backing to accelerate clinical trials and regulatory preparation.
Together, the two companies are building a foundation for rapid-response vaccine production systems that are scalable and globally deployable.
The partnership has laid the groundwork for clinical development, with trials scheduled to begin shortly. Sojitz’s support has helped VLP Therapeutics secure the infrastructure and funding necessary to prepare for regulatory approval and potential global commercialization.
Going forward, the partners will focus on verifying the efficacy of the vaccines in clinical trials while simultaneously developing a global go-to-market strategy. With an eye on future pandemics and rapidly spreading diseases, Sojitz and VLP aim to contribute to the establishment of a new paradigm in vaccine development—one that is more agile, scalable, and safe.
In the long term, the partnership also aims to expand into global markets, especially in regions where healthcare infrastructure is underserved, thereby supporting broader goals of global health equity.
＜References＞
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Sojitz Official Website: “Sojitz Invests in VLP Therapeutics Japan, Developer of Next-Generation Vaccines”
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Sojitz Official Website: “Sojitz Invests in U.S.-Based VLP Therapeutics, Developer of Next-Generation Vaccine Technologies”
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Sojitz Official Website: “Sojitz Announces Additional Investment in VLP Therapeutics”
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VLP Therapeutics Official Website: “VLP Therapeutics Group Raises Funding to Advance Cancer and Infectious Disease Vaccine Development, and Establish Manufacturing Facility”
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VLP Therapeutics Official Website: “VLP Therapeutics Raises $16M Series A to Accelerate Cancer Vaccine R&D”
Note: Virus-like particles (VLPs) are non-infectious, shell-like particles that mimic the structure of viruses and are used to trigger immune responses without introducing viral genomes.
Currency conversion assumption: ¥150 = $1.