MicroPharm

What MicroPharm does

MicroPharm Ltd is a privately held UK specialty biopharmaceutical company founded in 1998 and headquartered in Newcastle Emlyn, West Wales, that is fully integrated from polyclonal antibody discovery through cGMP manufacturing and commercial supply. The company operates two MHRA-licensed manufacturing sites in West Wales — its existing Newcastle Emlyn site (headquarters) and a newly commissioned Cilgerran facility (MHRA MIA, MIA IMP and 'Specials' licences granted in May 2024, comprising 473 m² of Class C and Class D cleanrooms plus QC, development and warehousing infrastructure). Since August 2015 it has been majority-owned by Flynn Pharma (Holdings) Ltd, a Stevenage-based specialist in acquiring and commercialising branded secondary-care pharmaceuticals that also provides pharmacovigilance and distribution support outside France. MicroPharm's commercial offering consists of three equine F(ab')2 antivenoms — VIPERFAV (European vipers), BOTHROFAV (Bothrops lanceolatus, Caribbean) and EchiTAbG (West African Echis ocellatus) — sold in Europe via the Inresa distribution group, with direct sales of BOTHROFAV outside France. Its pipeline extends the same polyclonal platform to two polyspecific antivenoms being re-launched for sub-Saharan Africa (Fav-Afrique, targeted for Q1 2026 supply) and the Middle East/North Africa (Favirept, 2026), and to OraCAb, a novel orally administered ovine polyclonal antibody therapeutic for Clostridioides difficile infection entering a Wellcome-funded Phase II trial in 2025. Ancillary revenue streams include contract manufacturing for the UK Ministry of Defence (a £7M ricin antitoxin award via Dstl in 2016) and ongoing grant funding from Wellcome, Innovate UK, the Welsh Government and the European Regional Development Fund. In January 2018 MicroPharm acquired Sanofi Pasteur's equine antivenom portfolio (Viperfav, Bothrofav, Scorpifav, Fav-Afrique, Favirept), with multi-year technology transfer to Wales now substantially complete.

Name

MicroPharm

Legal name

MicroPharm Ltd

Website

https://micropharm.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Short description

MicroPharm is a UK-based, fully integrated manufacturer of polyclonal antibody therapeutics from two MHRA-licensed West Wales sites, selling antivenoms across Europe, the Caribbean and West Africa, with a pipeline of African/MENA antivenoms and an oral C. difficile therapeutic.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Biopharmaceutical antivenoms / polyclonal antibody therapeutics

NAICS

Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing (325414)

SIC

Biological Products, (No Disgnostic Substances) (2836)

akta.pro primary industry

Live Biotherapeutic Products (LBPs) (HLAAAFAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Viral Clearance, Sterile Filtration & Bioburden Control Technologies (HLAAAJAL), Microbiology & Infectious Disease Testing (Trial Support) (HLAGAEAF)

Keywords

• Polyclonal antibody therapeutics
• Antivenom manufacturing
• Biopharmaceutical development
• Snakebite envenomation treatment
• CGMP sterile manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Newcastle Emlyn

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Operations

Revenue model

1. Commercial antivenom product sales: Sale of antivenoms (VIPERFAV, BOTHROFAV, EchiTAbG) for human use distributed in Europe (France via Inresa SAS / Inresa Arzneimittel GmbH), the Caribbean and West Africa. Marketing Authorisations held (e.g. VIPERFAV MA 34009 5509195 0 from ANSM); revenue is recurring per unit sold through distribution partners and direct sales.
2. Product/asset acquisitions (in-licensing of IP): Acquisition of Sanofi Pasteur's antivenom equine immunoglobulin product range (Viperfav, Bothrofav, Scorpifav, Fav-Afrique, Favirept) including transfer of intangible and tangible assets; MicroPharm intends to re-launch Fav-Afrique and Favirept in African and Middle East markets, indicating future revenue from re-commercialised pipeline products.
3. Government/defence contract manufacturing: Fixed-value public-sector contracts to manufacture polyclonal antibody-based therapeutics. Example: contract awarded by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence, valued at up to £7 million, for the production of ovine antibodies to ricin and manufacture into a product suitable for human use.
4. Grant funding for R&D and clinical development: Non-dilutive and grant-based funding from bodies including Wellcome Trust, Innovate UK (Biomedical Catalyst), Welsh Government SMART/SMARTCymru/SIF programmes and the European Regional Development Fund to support development of Fav-Afrique, OraCAb and other pipeline programmes.
5. Majority investment by Flynn Pharma (Holdings) Ltd: Flynn Pharma (Holdings) Ltd acquired a majority shareholding in MicroPharm, providing investment for R&D, manufacturing expansion (Cilgerran site) and commercialisation. Not strictly a revenue stream but the dominant capital source underwriting product development.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

MicroPharm is a fully integrated developer and manufacturer of polyclonal antibody therapeutics, producing commercial antivenoms (VIPERFAV, BOTHROFAV, EchiTAbG) for human use sold in Europe, the Caribbean and West Africa, alongside pipeline products including Fav-Afrique, Favirept and an oral polyclonal antibody (OraCAb) for Clostridioides difficile infection. Operations span purification of serum and plasma through sterile filling and packaging across two MHRA-licensed manufacturing sites in West Wales.

Product overview

MicroPharm is a fully integrated developer and manufacturer built around proprietary polyclonal antibody technology platforms, delivering a portfolio of targeted polyclonal therapeutics for infectious disease and acute toxic events from two MHRA-licensed manufacturing sites in West Wales. Its commercialised offering consists of three antivenoms for human use — VIPERFAV® (European vipers: Vipera aspis, V. berus, V. ammodytes), BOTHROFAV® (Bothrops lanceolatus) and EchiTAbG™ (Echis ocellatus) — sold in Europe, the Caribbean and West Africa. The pipeline extends the same platform to broader geographies and indications: Favirept® (polyspecific antivenom for Middle East and North Africa snakes) and Fav-Afrique® (polyspecific antivenom for sub-Saharan African Category 1 snakes) are being re-launched with new manufacturing processes for 2026 supply, while OraCAb® is an oral ovine polyclonal antibody therapeutic for Clostridioides difficile infection advancing into a Wellcome-funded Phase II clinical trial in 2025.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• EchiTAbG: Monospecific antivenom for treatment of systemic envenoming caused by the bite of the West African saw-scaled or carpet viper (Echis ocellatus).
• BOTHROFAV
• VIPERFAV
• Fav-Afrique
• Favirept
• OraCAb

Products and services

• VIPERFAV® Immunoglobulin F(ab')2 fragments of equine origin (solution for dilution for infusion) indicated for treatment of envenomation (grade II or III) by European vipers (Vipera aspis, Vipera berus, Vipera ammodytes). Distributed in France by Inresa SAS and in Europe by Inresa Arzneimittel GmbH. Holds ANSM Marketing Authorisation 34009 5509195 0.
• BOTHROFAV® Preparation of equine F(ab')2 fragments that neutralise Bothrops lanceolatus (Martinique lance-head viper) venom, indicated for treatment of mild to major envenomation. Holds an Autorisation d'Accès Compassionnel (AAC) from ANSM. Distributed in France by Inresa Pharma; direct enquiries handled by MicroPharm for other countries.
• EchiTAbG™ Monospecific antivenom indicated for the treatment of systemic envenoming caused by the bite of the West African saw-scaled or carpet viper, Echis ocellatus, as shown by incoagulable blood, prolonged clotting time or spontaneous systemic bleeding.
• Fav-Afrique® Polyspecific equine F(ab')2-based antivenom covering envenoming by 10 species of the most medically important Category 1 African snakes in the Viperidae (Echis, Bitis) and Elapidae (Naja, Dendroaspis) families. MicroPharm is developing a new manufacturing process to re-establish supplies in Q1 2026.
• Favirept® Equine F(ab')2-based polyspecific antivenom covering envenoming by most venomous snakes in the Middle East and North Africa across the genera Bitis, Echis, Naja, Cerastes and Macrovipera. Had a long history of safe and effective use until withdrawn in 2015; MicroPharm is developing a new manufacturing process to re-establish supplies in 2026.
• OraCAb® Orally administered immunotherapeutic containing ovine polyclonal antibodies directed against recombinant fragments of Toxin A and Toxin B for treatment of non-life-threatening primary and recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI). Developed with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) at Porton Down and funded by Wellcome, with a Phase II clinical trial scheduled to commence in mid-2025.

Quantifiable outcome

• ~250,000 patients received Fav-Afrique between 1993 and 2014 (based on unit sales)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• Sanofi PasteurflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 January 2018Sanofi Pasteur transferred its equine antivenom immunoglobulin product range (Viperfav, Bothrofav, Scorpifav, Fav-Afrique, Favirept) — including intangible and some tangible assets — to MicroPharm. Over the following three years Sanofi Pasteur and MicroPharm worked together to transfer the manufacture of Viperfav, Bothrofav and Scorpifav to MicroPharm's manufacturing facilities in West Wales; MicroPharm will seek to re-launch Fav-Afrique and Favirept to African and Middle East markets. Chairman Professor John Landon described the deal as positioning MicroPharm 'as one of the leaders in the market for high quality, safe and effective antivenoms'.
• Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) on behalf of the UK Ministry of DefencecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 August 2016Dstl (on behalf of the UK MOD) awarded MicroPharm a contract valued at up to £7 million to manufacture ovine antibodies to ricin and a ricin antitoxin product suitable for human use. Currently there is no licensed antitoxin for ricin; MicroPharm's success in the tender was described by Chairman Professor John Landon as 'a tremendous vote of confidence in the quality of our staff'.
• Public Health England (PHE) / UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 October 2015MicroPharm has collaborated with PHE (now UKHSA) since 2008 on ovine polyclonal antibody programmes covering C. difficile (PolyCAb, OraCAb) and Ebola. PHE brought recombinant toxin expertise, preclinical models, and Ebola assay/evaluation capabilities. The partnership was recognised at the RCUK/PraxisUnico Impact Awards 'Contribution to Society' category in 2015, and PHE experts including Professor Miles Carroll and Dr Seshadri Vasan co-authored and co-investigated the Ebola project. The collaboration is ongoing under UKHSA (Porton Down).
• Inresa SAScoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInresa SAS distributes VIPERFAV in France and handles product enquiries there; it is also the pharmacovigilance contact for MicroPharm products in France, receiving adverse event reports and safety queries via [email protected]. Inresa SAS is a France-based pharmaceutical company.
• Inresa Arzneimittel GmbHcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInresa Arzneimittel GmbH is the primary distributor of VIPERFAV in Europe (excluding France) and handles product enquiries for European customers outside France. The Inresa group as a whole is MicroPharm's primary European distribution partner.
• Inresa PharmacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInresa Pharma distributes BOTHROFAV in France and handles product enquiries from French customers.
• Flynn PharmacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFlynn Pharma ([email protected]) acts as the pharmacovigilance, safety, product recall, customer complaint, storage and distribution contact for MicroPharm products in territories other than France, complementing Inresa's role in France.
• University of OxfordcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMicroPharm collaborated with the University of Oxford — specifically Dr Thomas Bowden and Professor David Stuart FRS — alongside Public Health England on the development of ovine polyclonal antibodies against Ebola, extending the existing C. difficile partnership. The Oxford team contributes structural biology expertise.
• University of LeedscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Leeds (Professor Mark Wilcox) is part of the MicroPharm-led consortium with Public Health England that secured £2.1M from the Technology Strategy Board / Innovate UK to take PolyCAb through Phase 1 and Phase 2a trials, and a £451,323 consortium grant from Innovate UK in 2017. Leeds contributes CDI clinical expertise and in vitro modelling.
• University of NairobicoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerClinicians from the University of Nairobi are leading the Kenyan arm of MicroPharm's Phase II clinical trial of OraCAb (in conjunction with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston), under MicroPharm as Sponsor, with harmonised trial sites across Kenya and Australia to assess globally circulating C. difficile strains.
• University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustoncoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is acting in conjunction with the University of Nairobi to lead the Kenyan arm of MicroPharm's Phase II clinical trial of OraCAb for non-life-threatening C. difficile infection.
• Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth (Australia)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFiona Stanley Hospital in Perth is the Australian clinical trial site for MicroPharm's Phase II trial of OraCAb, run by clinicians at the hospital under MicroPharm as Sponsor.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• SAB Biotherapeutics: Clinical-stage biopharma developing polyclonal antibody therapeutics from a proprietary animal platform. Most directly comparable to MicroPharm in terms of using non-human (bovine/camelid) hosts to produce targeted polyclonal antibody drugs for infectious disease indications.
• Inosan Biopharma: Specialty manufacturer of equine and ovine F(ab')2-based antivenoms for Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Most directly comparable to MicroPharm in the equine F(ab')2 antivenom space, including polyspecific formulations serving sub-Saharan and MENA markets.
• Vins Bioproducts: Indian manufacturer of equine and ovine antivenoms (including for snake, scorpion and spider envenomation) for domestic and export markets. Comparable to MicroPharm as a vertically integrated F(ab')2 antivenom manufacturer selling into Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia.

Broad incumbents

• CSL Limited: Global specialty biotherapeutics company that manufactures antivenoms (e.g., for Australian and select Asian snakes) as part of a broad plasma-products and vaccines portfolio. Comparable to MicroPharm in the antivenom manufacturing capability, though at much greater scale and as part of a wider product set.
• Flynn Pharma: UK-based specialty pharmaceutical company majority shareholder of MicroPharm, focused on acquiring and commercialising branded products in secondary healthcare. Comparable as the controlling parent and pharmacovigilance/distribution partner providing European commercial reach to MicroPharm's portfolio.
• Serum Institute of India: World's largest vaccine manufacturer by doses, which also produces antivenoms (e.g., for African and Asian snake species) and polyclonal antibody products. Comparable to MicroPharm as a large-scale antivenom/polyclonal manufacturer serving LMIC public health markets, though with far broader scope and lower-cost economics.

Regional players

• Rare Disease Therapeutics: US-based specialty company that distributes antivenoms (e.g., CroFab) for North American snake envenomation. Comparable to MicroPharm as a focused antivenom commercial specialist, but with a US geographic focus rather than the European/Caribbean/West Africa footprint.
• Instituto Butantan: Brazilian public-sector biomedical institute that produces equine antivenoms (Bothrops, Crotalus, Micrurus, Lachesis) for Latin America. Comparable to MicroPharm in equine F(ab')2 antivenom technology and in serving a high-burden envenomation geography, though as a public-sector producer focused on the Brazilian market.

Emerging players

• Seres Therapeutics: Clinical-stage microbiome therapeutics company with a CDI lead programme (VOWST/SER-109). Comparable to MicroPharm on the OraCAb pipeline, as both target recurrent C. difficile infection with a non-antibiotic, outpatient-friendly approach.
• Vedanta Biosciences: Clinical-stage microbiome company developing live biotherapeutic products for recurrent C. difficile infection. Comparable to MicroPharm on the CDI pipeline axis — both are pursuing non-antibiotic CDI therapies with potential outpatient applicability.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 MicroPharm