Biotech Red Queen launches with $55M to build versatile antivirals

Venture firm Apple Tree Partners has invested $55 million in a new biotechnology company developing antiviral treatments capable of working across families of viruses.

The company, called Red Queen Therapeutics, envisions its technology as a foundation for antiviral drugs against infectious pathogens like COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus. Already, it has advanced a COVID antiviral through Phase 1 testing, and has secured U.S. government funding for a pan-influenza drug.