TVG was founded in 2017 to develop and commercialise animal vaccines and biotherapeutics based on the recombinant vaccine technology work of Professor Michael Jarvis, Professor of Virology and Immunology at the University of Plymouth’s School of Biomedical Sciences.
The Vaccine Group was founded by Professor Michael Jarvis, whose path into science began far from the laboratory. He began his working life as a sheet metal worker and welder after leaving school at 15 in rural England. A move to the United States to live with an aunt who kept 28 Irish wolfhounds redirected his path toward veterinary science and ultimately into virology.
Along the way, the guidance of exceptional mentors during his studies in California and at the University of Cambridge helped shape a deep curiosity about how biological systems work at a mechanistic level. That curiosity guided three decades of research developing herpesvirus-based vaccine technologies.
This work became the scientific foundation of The Vaccine Group, established to translate these insights into next-generation vaccines designed to deliver protection in settings where conventional approaches often fail.
Through a mixed funding model of public grants, commercial funding and private equity, TVG has established a pipeline of projects that address infectious and chronic diseases in animals that have a serious commercial impact on livestock production, or affect quality or longevity of life in companion animals.
Due to the earlier ability to test animal vaccines in their intended host, and the relative speed at which animal compared to human product development, the animal health market is increasingly seen as a highly valuable market for investment.
Our business model is to develop vaccine candidates to proof-of-principle with commercial exploitation delivered through license agreements with vaccine manufacturing companies.
Why does it matter?
TVG is developing vaccines for a number of diseases that have a significant social and economic impact across the globe. Click below to read more about the diseases we aim to address.
Scientific research can carry a significant environmental footprint, particularly in laboratory settings where energy use, specialised equipment, and single-use materials are often necessary to maintain safety, sterility, and regulatory compliance.
At TVG we believe our most meaningful environmental contribution will come through the development of vaccines targeting diseases, which reduce livestock productivity. By helping to prevent disease and improve animal health, these technologies have the potential to support more efficient and sustainable livestock production.
At the same time, we are taking practical steps within our own research activities to reduce environmental impact wherever possible.
Laboratory Recycling Scheme
Cycle To Work Scheme
