Aventera secures funding to develop next-generation antibodies targeting deadly “flesh-eating” bacteria

Aventera Antibodies, a portfolio company of SmiLe Venture Hub, has successfully raised SEK 14.5 million in a funding round from Swedish and international investors. The funding will support the preclinical development of the company’s lead drug candidate targeting life-threatening streptococcal infections, with the ambition to enter clinical trials in 2028.

Aventera joined SmiLe’s incubator program last autumn and is now receiving support to further develop the company. Aventera is developing a new class of precision therapies based on antibodies derived from patients who appear to have been naturally protected against severe infections.

The research originates from Lund University, Sweden, and the group of Associate Professor Pontus Nordenfelt, co-founder of Aventera and also co-founder of the SmiLe company Cytely.

The company’s lead program targets invasive Group A streptococcal infections (iGAS), sometimes referred to as “flesh-eating bacteria” due to their rapid and destructive progression. Although rare, these infections have a mortality rate of around 30 percent and often affect otherwise healthy individuals.

Aventera has already demonstrated proof of concept in animal models and has identified a lead molecule capable of targeting multiple bacterial strains.

“Severe bacterial infections such as invasive streptococcal disease still lack effective targeted therapies. Aventera represents a new generation of precision treatments, and enabling this translation from academia to the clinic is exactly the role SmiLe exists to play,” says Ulrika Ringdahl, CEO of SmiLe Venture Hub.

“As a physician, I have met these young patients, invasive streptococcal infections are among the most devastating conditions you can encounter. Today, we lack effective treatment options. I truly value being part of SmiLe. Access to experienced coaching, lab facilities, an inspiring community, and connections to investors and industry is invaluable for a startup,” says Dr. Arman Izadi, CEO of Aventera Antibodies.