VERAXA Biotech and Voyager Acquisition Corp. Merge to Form Nasdaq-Listed Cancer Therapy Biopharma

ZURICH, Switzerland, and BROOKLYN, NY, USA, April 23, 2025 – VERAXA Biotech AG and Voyager Acquisition Corp. have announced a definitive business combination agreement to form a publicly traded clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in advanced cancer therapies. The merger's completion will see VERAXA listed on NASDAQ under the symbol "VERX."

VERAXA Biotech is pioneering new cancer treatment strategies through its innovative drug discovery and development platform, focusing on Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) and unique antibody-based therapies. By utilizing its advanced Bi-Targeted Antibody Cytotoxicity (BiTAC) technology, VERAXA enhances cancer treatment by offering safer and more effective therapies for solid tumors.

The company has recently expanded its AI-enhanced technology platform, targeting two significant drug modalities in the cancer therapy market. The global TCE (T cell engager) market is anticipated to reach $112 billion by 2030, with a growth rate exceeding 44%. Similarly, the ADC market is projected to attain a value of $57 billion by 2030, growing at nearly 30% annually.

VERAXA is dedicated to creating the next generation of cancer treatments with a focus on safety and efficacy. According to CEO and Co-Founder Christoph Antz, Ph.D., the company aims to overcome the limitations of current therapies, such as side effects and suboptimal dosing, with its BiTAC platform. This innovation aims to produce first-in-class drug candidates offering unparalleled safety and efficacy.

The company's pipeline includes nine programs at various development stages, with a Phase 1 study in leukemia underway. VERAXA’s lead clinical candidate, VX-A901, is an Fc-enhanced therapeutic antibody targeting FLT3, showing strong anti-cancer effects. This candidate has potential as a backbone therapy across various patient groups and treatment settings, working alongside existing therapies.

VERAXA's strategic goal is to bolster its pipeline through internal innovation and partnerships, with plans to have a robust portfolio by 2029. The leadership comprises experienced executives like CEO Christoph Antz and Chief Business Officer Heinz Schwer, supported by international scientific advisors such as Prof. Dr. Ralf C. Bargou, an expert in immuno-oncology.

The company’s major shareholders include Xlife Sciences AG, the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), and its technology transfer arm EMBLEM. Adeel Rouf, CEO of Voyager Acquisition Corp., highlights VERAXA's potential to disrupt the cancer therapy landscape with its innovative drug modalities and strategic partnerships.

The NASDAQ listing of VERAXA marks a significant milestone, providing access to U.S. capital markets and supporting the advancement of its technology and clinical assets. Oliver Baumann, Acting Chairman of the VERAXA Board and CEO of Xlife Sciences, emphasizes the potential value creation this transaction represents for shareholders.

The transaction terms involve VERAXA contributing approximately $1.3 billion in equity, with shareholders receiving about 130 million shares in the combined entity. The merger is expected to yield an implied equity value of $1.64 billion, contingent on Voyager's share price and no shareholder redemptions.

Upon closing, VERAXA anticipates access to upwards of $253 million in cash held by Voyager, prior to transaction costs. The company is also seeking additional funding from existing and new investors to support its growth for the next two years, excluding potential partnerships.

The boards of both companies have approved the merger, which is expected to conclude by the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to shareholder approval and customary conditions. Further details on the transaction will be available through filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.