RocketVax AG has successfully completed a significant third round of financing led by the Wietlisbach Foundation, which acquired 9 percent of the shares of RocketVax. The additional funding will be used primarily for the further development of a second-generation vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Founded in 2019 as a subsidiary of Swiss Rockets AG, RocketVax is a Basel-based biotech company that uses proprietary technologies in molecular biology and chemistry to engineer novel vaccines. The company is currently developing three live attenuated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in parallel. The COVID-19 vaccines RVX-sCPD9 and RVX-OTS are slow-replicating SARS-CoV-2 viruses while the COVID-19 vaccine RVX-13 is based on a genetically modified SARS-CoV-2 virus that cannot replicate.
All three vaccines have two outstanding features: they increase the protection of the immune system and lead to the generation not only of spike antibodies but also of a broad spectrum of other antibodies and T cells. This should provide longer-lasting protection against wild-type viruses and all virus variations (caused by mutations). In addition, the stability of the vaccine at ambient temperatures is good, which allows the protection of populations in Africa, Latin America and other emerging markets and reduces the risk of the emergence of new viral variants.
With already two financing rounds, RocketVax has attracted new experienced investors to participate in its third round. The lead investor is the Foundation of Urs and Simone Wietlisbach, which acquired 9 percent of the shares of RocketVax. Urs Wietlisbach is one of the three founders of the Partners Group, one of the leading investment companies. Family offices and private investors also contributed to the round.
The funds will support the further development of RocketVax’s various projects. These primarily include a second-generation vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Such a vaccine is important as the virus continues to cause significant health damage. In Western countries, masks are rarely worn and the statistical excess mortality caused by the virus remains significant. The virus can also trigger various chronic diseases.
Vladimir Cmiljanovic, Vice President of RocketVax, states that “Despite the very difficult environment, we have managed to secure reputable investors who have invested significant amounts. We still believe that the RocketVax vaccine is urgently needed, and we are now moving forward with its development with increased momentum.”
(Press release/RAN)
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