VERAXA Biotech AG has entered into a definitive agreement to merge with Voyager Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: VACH), a transaction that values the combined entity at approximately $1.64 billion. This strategic move is designed to propel VERAXA into the public market, with its shares anticipated to trade on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol 'VERX' upon completion, which is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2025. The merger leverages VERAXA's proprietary Bi-Targeted Antibody Cytotoxicity (BiTAC) platform, which is focused on developing dual-marker cancer therapeutics, including bispecific antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and T cell engagers. The company's robust pipeline features nine programs, with an active Phase 1 trial in leukemia highlighting the technology's potential to address unmet medical needs in oncology.
The merger is supported by VERAXA's majority shareholders, such as Xlife Sciences AG (SIX: XLS), EMBL, and EMBLEM, and is led by CEO Christoph Antz, Ph.D., and CBO Heinz Schwer, Ph.D., MBA. Voyager Acquisition Corp. is expected to contribute up to $253 million from its trust account to bolster the combined company's operations. Additionally, VERAXA is securing a crossover round of funding, anticipated to close before the merger's completion, further strengthening its financial position. This collaboration aims to accelerate the development of innovative cancer treatments, offering hope to patients globally by combining VERAXA's cutting-edge therapeutic platforms with Voyager's financial resources and strategic vision.
The transaction underscores the growing importance of biotechnology in tackling complex diseases and the potential of strategic partnerships to bring groundbreaking therapies to market. For more information on VERAXA's technology, visit https://www.veraxabiotech.com. The merger represents a significant milestone in oncology, as it facilitates the advancement of therapies that could transform cancer care, emphasizing the critical role of such alliances in driving medical innovation and improving patient outcomes worldwide.
