Emergent BioSolutions and Rocketvax Announce Investment Agreement and Pursuit of a Strategic Relationship for Next-Generation Product Candidates
Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE: EBS) has announced a strategic investment agreement with Rocketvax , a Swiss next-generation vaccine company. The partnership includes Emergent leading U.S. manufacturing and commercialization for four of Rocketvax's pipeline candidates targeting infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.
One of Rocketvax's leading candidates is a live-attenuated nasal spray SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, which has shown superior efficacy compared to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in animal studies. Rocketvax has already secured a letter of intent with the NIH under Project NextGen initiative for clinical trials of their proprietary technology.
The collaboration aims to combine Rocketvax's innovative vaccine development with Emergent's production capabilities, supporting Emergent's strategic focus on growth and transformation while advancing breakthrough medical technologies.
Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE: EBS) ha annunciato un accordo di investimento strategico con Rocketvax, un'azienda svizzera di vaccini di nuova generazione. La partnership prevede che Emergent guidi la produzione e la commercializzazione negli Stati Uniti per quattro candidati in fase di sviluppo di Rocketvax, mirati a malattie infettive, cancro e disturbi autoimmuni.
Uno dei principali candidati di Rocketvax è un vaccino SARS-CoV-2 in spray nasale attenuato vivo, che ha dimostrato un'efficacia superiore rispetto ai vaccini mRNA COVID-19 in studi sugli animali. Rocketvax ha già ottenuto una lettera di intenti con il NIH nell'ambito dell'iniziativa Project NextGen per prove cliniche della loro tecnologia proprietaria.
La collaborazione mira a combinare lo sviluppo innovativo dei vaccini di Rocketvax con le capacità produttive di Emergent, supportando il focus strategico di Emergent sulla crescita e la trasformazione, mentre si promuovono tecnologie mediche rivoluzionarie.
Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE: EBS) ha anunciado un acuerdo de inversión estratégica con Rocketvax, una empresa suiza de vacunas de nueva generación. La asociación incluye que Emergent liderará la fabricación y comercialización en EE. UU. para cuatro de los candidatos en desarrollo de Rocketvax que están dirigidos a enfermedades infecciosas, cáncer y trastornos autoinmunes.
Uno de los principales candidatos de Rocketvax es una vacuna SARS-CoV-2 en spray nasal atenuada viva, que ha mostrado una eficacia superior en comparación con las vacunas de ARN mensajero COVID-19 en estudios con animales. Rocketvax ya ha asegurado una carta de intención con los NIH bajo la iniciativa Project NextGen para ensayos clínicos de su tecnología propietaria.
La colaboración tiene como objetivo combinar el desarrollo innovador de vacunas de Rocketvax con las capacidades de producción de Emergent, apoyando el enfoque estratégico de Emergent en el crecimiento y la transformación mientras se avanza en tecnologías médicas innovadoras.
Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE: EBS)는 스위스의 차세대 백신 회사인 Rocketvax와 전략적 투자 계약을 체결했다고 발표했습니다. 이 파트너십은 Emergent가 감염병, 암 및 자가면역 질환을 겨냥한 Rocketvax의 4개 파이프라인 후보의 미국 제조 및 상업화를 주도하는 것을 포함합니다.
Rocketvax의 주요 후보 중 하나는 생백신 형태의 SARS-CoV-2 비강 스프레이 백신으로, 동물 연구에서 mRNA COVID-19 백신에 비해 우수한 효능을 보여주었습니다. Rocketvax는 이미 NIH와 Project NextGen 이니셔티브에 따라 자사의 독점 기술에 대한 임상 시험을 위한 의향서를 확보했습니다.
이번 협업은 Rocketvax의 혁신적인 백신 개발과 Emergent의 생산 능력을 결합하여 Emergent의 성장 및 혁신 전략을 지원하고 혁신적인 의료 기술을 발전시키는 것을 목표로 하고 있습니다.
Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE: EBS) a annoncé un accord d'investissement stratégique avec Rocketvax, une entreprise suisse de vaccins de nouvelle génération. Ce partenariat inclut la direction par Emergent de la fabrication et de la commercialisation aux États-Unis pour quatre des candidats en développement de Rocketvax, ciblant les maladies infectieuses, le cancer et les troubles auto-immuns.
Un des principaux candidats de Rocketvax est un vaccin SARS-CoV-2 en spray nasal atténué vivant, qui a montré une efficacité supérieure par rapport aux vaccins COVID-19 à ARN messager dans des études animales. Rocketvax a déjà obtenu une lettre d'intention avec les NIH dans le cadre de l'initiative Project NextGen pour des essais cliniques de sa technologie propriétaire.
La collaboration vise à combiner le développement innovant de vaccins de Rocketvax avec les capacités de production d'Emergent, soutenant l'orientation stratégique d'Emergent vers la croissance et la transformation tout en faisant avancer des technologies médicales révolutionnaires.
Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE: EBS) hat eine strategische Investitionsvereinbarung mit Rocketvax, einem Schweizer Unternehmen für Impfstoffe der nächsten Generation, angekündigt. Die Partnerschaft umfasst, dass Emergent die US-Herstellung und Vermarktung für vier von Rocketvax' Pipeline-Kandidaten leitet, die auf Infektionskrankheiten, Krebs und Autoimmunerkrankungen abzielen.
Einer der führenden Kandidaten von Rocketvax ist ein lebend-attenuierter Nasenspray SARS-CoV-2 Impfstoff, der in Tierversuchen eine überlegene Wirksamkeit im Vergleich zu mRNA COVID-19 Impfstoffen gezeigt hat. Rocketvax hat bereits ein Absichtsschreiben mit den NIH im Rahmen der Project NextGen-Initiative für klinische Studien ihrer proprietären Technologie gesichert.
Die Zusammenarbeit zielt darauf ab, die innovative Impfstoffentwicklung von Rocketvax mit den Produktionskapazitäten von Emergent zu kombinieren, um Emergents strategischen Fokus auf Wachstum und Transformation zu unterstützen und bahnbrechende Medizintechnologien voranzutreiben.
- Strategic expansion into next-generation vaccine development
- Access to four pipeline candidates across multiple therapeutic areas
- Partnership with NIH through Project NextGen initiative
- Superior efficacy of lead candidate compared to existing mRNA vaccines in animal studies
- No immediate revenue impact disclosed
- Investment amount not specified
- Clinical trials still pending for pipeline candidates
- Commercialization timeline not provided
Insights
Emergent BioSolutions' strategic investment in Swiss Rockets represents a significant diversification move that could strengthen its product pipeline and future revenue streams. While the financial terms weren't disclosed, this deal provides Emergent access to four pipeline candidates spanning infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmune disorders - addressing markets with substantial growth potential.
This partnership aligns perfectly with Emergent's stated transformation strategy, potentially accelerating their turnaround efforts following recent challenges. The agreement's structure is particularly strategic - rather than a straight acquisition with heavy upfront costs, Emergent has opted for an investment approach that likely provides milestone-based financial exposure while securing commercialization rights.
The NIH's involvement through Project NextGen adds significant credibility to Rocketvax's technology. Government backing reduces development risk and could potentially provide additional funding pathways, improving the partnership's risk/reward profile.
For Emergent, this deal leverages their existing manufacturing infrastructure and commercialization expertise in the U.S. market, potentially creating operational efficiencies. The focus on next-generation vaccine technology, particularly the nasal spray COVID vaccine showing superior efficacy to mRNA alternatives in animal studies, positions Emergent to potentially capture market share in the evolving COVID vaccine landscape where mucosal immunity is increasingly recognized as critical.
The technology behind Rocketvax's pipeline represents a potential breakthrough in vaccine development. Their lead candidate - a live-attenuated nasal spray SARS-CoV-2 vaccine - addresses key limitations of current mRNA vaccines by targeting mucosal immunity, which is essential for respiratory infections but poorly stimulated by injected vaccines.
Live-attenuated vaccines typically generate broader, more durable immune responses that closely mimic natural infection. The animal studies showing superior efficacy compared to mRNA vaccines are promising, though human clinical data will be critical. The nasal delivery mechanism is particularly significant as it could improve both efficacy and vaccine acceptance among needle-phobic populations.
The NIH collaboration through Project NextGen indicates the technology has passed rigorous scientific scrutiny. The U.S. government's interest suggests potential for inclusion in national vaccine stockpiles if development succeeds.
The portfolio diversification across infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmune disorders demonstrates the platform technology's versatility. For Emergent, accessing this technology without having to develop it internally represents efficient R&D leverage. While development and regulatory risks remain, particularly for novel live-attenuated vaccines, the partnership structure allows Emergent to benefit from Rocketvax's innovation while contributing their established manufacturing and commercialization expertise - a complementary arrangement that maximizes each company's strengths.
GAITHERSBURG, Md. and BASEL, Switzerland, March 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE: EBS), a leading public health company that delivers protective and life-saving solutions to communities across the world, and Rocketvax Ltd, one of Switzerland’s next-generation vaccine companies and a member of the Swiss Rockets Ltd family of companies, today announced entry into an agreement for Emergent’s strategic financial investment into Swiss Rockets Ltd, the parent company of Rocketvax Ltd, to support research, infrastructure development, and the expansion of Swiss Rockets’ innovative biotechnology portfolio. This endeavor underscores Emergent’s commitment to supporting Swiss Rockets’ broader mission of pioneering breakthrough medical technologies.
In addition to the investment, the parties intend to form a strategic partnership whereby Emergent would lead the U.S. manufacturing and commercialization efforts for four of Rocketvax’s pipeline candidates for infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. For one of these pipeline candidates, Rocketvax Ltd has already signed a letter of intent with the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Rocketvax / NIH collaboration is part of the Project NextGen initiative and will support a clinical trial investigating a next generation vaccine using Rocketvax Ltd’s proprietary technology.
One of Rocketvax’s leading candidates is a live-attenuated nasal spray SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, which has demonstrated superior efficacy compared to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in animal studies. Live-attenuated vaccines mimic natural infections more closely, often providing stronger and longer-lasting immunity by stimulating a broader immune response, including mucosal immunity, which is crucial for respiratory infections.
Joe Papa, President and CEO of Emergent, commented: “We are excited to partner with Rocketvax to accelerate the development of innovative products that address significant public health challenges. As Rocketvax is poised to progress its pipeline, we will stand ready to leverage our unique capabilities to ultimately bring these solutions to patients and communities in need. These four projects directly support Emergent’s strategic focus on growth and turnaround as part of our multi-year transformation plan.”
Dr. Vladimir Cmiljanovic, CEO of Rocketvax Ltd, added: “This collaboration is a game-changer for Rocketvax and the broader biotech industry. By partnering with Emergent BioSolutions, we are combining cutting-edge vaccine innovation with world-class production and regulatory expertise. This joint venture not only accelerates the development of next-generation vaccines but also paves the way for groundbreaking advancements in global healthcare. Our shared vision is to revolutionize disease prevention and immunotherapy, bringing life-saving solutions to millions worldwide. This collaboration is a major milestone for Rocketvax. By joining forces with Emergent, we can leverage their world-class production capabilities to deliver next-generation vaccines that have the potential to transform disease prevention and immunotherapy.”
About Emergent BioSolutions
At Emergent, our mission is to protect and save lives. For over 25 years, we’ve been at work preparing those entrusted with protecting public health. We deliver protective and life-saving solutions for health threats like smallpox, mpox, botulism, Ebola, anthrax and opioid overdose emergencies. To learn more about how we help prepare communities around the world for today’s health challenges and tomorrow’s threats, visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
About Rocketvax Ltd
Rocketvax Ltd, a pioneering biotech company and a member of the Swiss Rockets Ltd family, develops next-generation vaccines using proprietary molecular biology technologies based on attenuated live viruses. Unlike traditional mRNA or protein-based vaccines, Rocketvax’s approach stimulates both cellular and mucosal immunity for stronger, longer-lasting protection. This technology also enhances vaccine stability and simplifies distribution. With expertise in molecular biology and reverse genetic engineering, Rocketvax aims to revolutionize vaccine design and improve global public health. For more information, visit www.rocketvax.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally are identified by using words like “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “position,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions or variations thereof, or the negative thereof, but these terms are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the current intentions, beliefs and expectations of Emergent and Rocketvax, respectively, regarding future events based on information that is currently available. Neither Emergent nor Rocketvax can guarantee that any forward-looking statements will be accurate. Readers should realize that if underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or if known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could differ materially from expectations. Readers are, therefore, cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, and, except as required by law, neither Emergent nor Rocketvax undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect new information, events or circumstances.
There are a number of important factors that could cause the actual results of Emergent or Rocketvax to differ materially from those indicated by any forward-looking statements. Readers should consider this cautionary statement, as well as (with respect to Emergent) the risk factors and other disclosures included in Emergent’s periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, when evaluating any forward-looking statements.
Contacts:
Emergent
Investor Contact
Richard S. Lindahl
Executive Vice President, CFO
lindahlr@ebsi.com
Media Contact
Assal Hellmer
Vice President, Communications
mediarelations@ebsi.com
Rocketvax Ltd
U.S. Media Contact
Rachel Ford Hutman
Ford Hutman Media
Rachel@fordhutmanmedia.com
Europe Media Contact
Dr. Sabina R. Korfmann-Bodenmann
KCCC Korfmann Corporate Communications Consulting AG
s.korfmann@kccc.ch
FAQ
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