What Antiva Biosciences does

Antiva Biosciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2012 by Dr. Karl Hostetler at UC San Diego (originally as Hera Therapeutics) and headquartered in Redwood City, California. The company develops novel topical therapeutics targeting oncogenic (high-risk) human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and pre-cancerous cervical lesions (CIN 2,3), indications for which no FDA-approved drug treatment currently exists. Its lead product, ABI-2280, is an acyclic nucleoside phosphonate prodrug of PMEG diphosphate formulated as an intravaginal insert for at-home self-administration; the drug inhibits human intracellular DNA polymerases used by all HPV genotypes, blocking viral replication and inducing apoptosis in HPV-infected cells while sparing normal cells.

ABI-2280 is being evaluated in two parallel Phase 1/2 programs: one in women with persistent cervical high-risk HPV infection and one in CIN 2,3 patients. Phase 1b/2 results announced in August 2025 and presented at SGO 2026 showed 46% hrHPV negativity at Week 12 vs 16% placebo (p=0.0077), 78% HPV16+ clearance vs 0% placebo, and durable response in 100% of Week 12 responders at Week 24. The product's broad-spectrum, immune-independent mechanism is intended to treat all HPV genotypes and remain effective in immunocompromised (e.g., HIV-positive) women.

Antiva has raised approximately $137 million in venture financing across Series B through E (2015-2023), with a $53 million Series E led by MPM-BioImpact Capital in April 2023. Lead institutional investors include Canaan Partners, Sofinnova, Brace Pharma, Hillhouse, Adjuvant Capital, GV, HBM Healthcare, and Lumira Ventures. The business model is standard biopharmaceutical prescription sales of ABI-2280 through OB/GYN prescribing channels and retail/specialty pharmacy distribution upon FDA approval, with an additional global health strategy targeting women in lower- and middle-income countries where cervical cancer mortality is highest. The company is led by President & CEO Kristine Ball (appointed April 2023), with a Scientific and Development Advisory Board comprising virology and women's health leaders including former Gilead R&D executives and ASCCP-recognized clinicians.

Name

Antiva Biosciences

Legal name

Antiva Biosciences, Inc.

Website

https://antivabio.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Antiva Biosciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing ABI-2280, a topical, self-administered antiviral therapeutic for high-risk HPV infection and cervical pre-cancerous lesions (CIN 2,3), serving women with persistent hrHPV.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Antiviral Therapeutics

NAICS

Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing (3254)

SIC

Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834)

akta.pro primary industry

Infectious Disease & Antimicrobials Pharmaceuticals (HLAIAAAG)

Keywords

• HPV therapeutics
• Cervical cancer treatment
• Topical antivirals
• Biopharmaceutical research
• Antiviral prodrugs

Headquarters

HQ city

Del Mar

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. ABI-2280 Pharmaceutical Sales: Once approved, the company will generate revenue through prescription pharmaceutical sales of ABI-2280 vaginal insert for treatment of high-risk HPV infection and CIN 2,3. As a topical therapeutic prescribed by physicians and self-administered by patients, revenue model will involve standard pharmaceutical distribution channels.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Antiva Biosciences is developing ABI-2280, a novel topical therapeutic (acyclic nucleoside phosphonate prodrug) for the treatment of oncogenic (high-risk) HPV infection and pre-cancerous cervical lesions (CIN 2,3). The drug is formulated as an intravaginal insert for self-administration at home, designed to block HPV replication and induce apoptosis in HPV-infected cells while sparing normal cells.

Product overview

Antiva Biosciences is developing a single lead product, ABI-2280, a novel topical therapeutic using antiviral prodrug chemistry developed by Dr. Karl Hostetler at UC San Diego. ABI-2280 is an acyclic nucleoside phosphonate prodrug of PMEG diphosphate formulated as an intravaginal insert for patient self-administration. The product is being developed for two indications: high-risk cervical HPV infection and CIN 2,3 (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia). The company has completed a Phase 1b/2 study in women with persistent high-risk HPV infection achieving statistically significant results, and has an ongoing open-label Phase 1b/2 study in CIN 2,3 patients. No other distinct products or modules are in the portfolio.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ABI-2280 A novel topical therapeutic (acyclic nucleoside phosphonate prodrug of PMEG diphosphate) for treatment of high-risk HPV infection and pre-cancerous moderate to high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (CIN 2,3). Formulated as an intravaginal insert for self-administration at home, targeting women diagnosed with persistent high-risk HPV infection or CIN 2,3 lesions.

Quantifiable outcome

• 46% of patients achieved hrHPV negativity at Week 12 with 3mg cumulative dose vs 16% for placebo (p=0.0077)
• +5 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Pfizer: Pfizer markets broad women's health and oncology assets and historically participated in HPV vaccine commercialization through legacy Wyeth operations. It is a relevant broad incumbent and potential strategic acquirer in cervical cancer therapeutics.
• GSK: GSK markets Cervarix, the second major prophylactic HPV vaccine, alongside a broader women's health and oncology portfolio. Like Merck, GSK shapes the HPV disease landscape through preventive vaccination and represents a relevant strategic acquirer or global commercial partner for ABI-2280.
• Merck & Co. Merck markets Gardasil, the leading prophylactic HPV vaccine, and Keytruda, approved for certain HPV-associated cancers. While its vaccines are preventive rather than therapeutic, Merck defines the broader HPV/cervical-cancer category and represents both a major indirect competitor and a potential acquirer of Antiva's asset.
• Roche: Roche is the leader in cervical cancer diagnostics (cobas HPV test) and markets several cervical/gynecologic oncology therapeutics. Its dominant position in HPV screening positions it as both an indirect competitor and a natural commercial partner given ABI-2280's reliance on HPV-positive patient identification.
• Bristol Myers Squibb: BMS markets Opdivo, approved for certain cervical cancer indications, and has a deep immuno-oncology and antivirals heritage. It is a broad incumbent in HPV-associated cancer treatment and a credible strategic acquirer for late-stage cervical assets.
• Eisai Co. Eisai co-markets Lenvima (lenvatinib), approved in combination for certain advanced cervical cancer settings. While a broader oncology player, Eisai's involvement in HPV-related cervical cancer treatment makes it a relevant comparable and potential global commercial partner for ABI-2280.

Direct peers

• Inovio Pharmaceuticals: Inovio is a clinical-stage biotech developing DNA-based immunotherapies for HPV-related diseases, including INO-3107 for HPV-6/11-related recurrent respiratory papillomatosis and HPV-associated cervical dysplasia. It is the closest direct comparable to Antiva's therapeutic HPV approach, competing for the same underserved patient population.
• ISA Pharmaceuticals: ISA Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotech developing synthetic long-peptide immunotherapy (ISA101) for HPV16-driven cancers and pre-cancers. It is a direct peer in therapeutic HPV oncology and shares Antiva's positioning in CIN/anal pre-cancer.
• PapiVax Biotech: PapiVax is a clinical-stage biotech developing therapeutic HPV vaccines and immunotherapies, including candidates targeting cervical pre-cancer (CIN) and other HPV-driven lesions. It is one of the few small, dedicated players in therapeutic HPV alongside Antiva.
• Advaxis (now Ayala Pharmaceuticals): Advaxis pioneered Lm-LLO immunotherapy for HPV-associated cancers; its work has been continued through Ayala Pharmaceuticals. It represents a direct peer in the therapeutic HPV oncology space, with similar clinical-stage positioning.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/antiva-biosciences-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds8 records

Investors19 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Antiva Biosciences