Australian biotechnology company Vaxxas Pty Ltd, has announced the appointment of Mr Brent MacGregor as Independent Non-Executive Director to the Vaxxas Board. Mr MacGregor brings deep global experience in vaccine and medical device commercialisation to Vaxxas as the company advances its high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP) technology for self-administered vaccination towards market.
Mr MacGregor is CEO of Medical Developments International (ASX: MVP), an Australian company committed to developing and distributing medicines and medical devices, including Penthrox, known as ‘The Green Whistle’ for acute pain, and a range of spacers for asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) sufferers. These products are marketed in more than 25 countries. He also serves on the Board of Dynavax Technologies.
Prior to joining MVP, Mr MacGregor led global and regional vaccine businesses at CSL Seqirus, Novartis Vaccines and Sanofi Pasteur. With more than three decades of experience commercialising vaccines and new medical devices, across four continents, he will provide extensive insights as Vaxxas moves to commercialise the HD-MAP.
OneVentures Partner and Vaxxas Chair, Ms Sarah Meibusch said the appointment provides Vaxxas with a strategic advantage as the company focuses on commercialising its HD-MAP technology platform.
“Vaxxas is entering a pivotal phase; scaling manufacturing and executing the clinical pathway required to deliver a convenient, self-administered, needle-free vaccination option,” Ms Meibusch said. “Brent has built and run major vaccine businesses and understands exactly how to translate platform potential into adoption across global markets. His leadership will help us move faster from clinic to commercial reality.”
MVP CEO and Vaxxas Non-Executive Director Mr MacGregor said: “Vaxxas’ proprietary HD-MAP technology platform represents a compelling alternative to the needle and syringe method we’ve been using to deliver vaccines for many decades. The possibility of needle-free vaccine administration that simplifies supply chains, reduces the need for cold-chain storage and distribution, and creates opportunities for self-administration in the home, could dramatically improve vaccine access and uptake on a global scale, thereby positively impacting public health.”
Joining Mr MacGregor as Board Observer is Mr Michael Shleifer, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of SPRIM Global Investments, who led Vaxxas’ recent ~$90 million financing.
On his appointment, Mr Shleifer added, “We see HD-MAP technology as a once-in-a-generation delivery platform. We’re excited to be supporting Vaxxas at this critical junction as it transitions towards market.”
Vaxxas recently installed the first robotic manufacturing lines at its 5,500m2 state-of-the-art biomedical manufacturing facility in Brisbane, which will support the development of HD-MAP vaccine product for later-stage clinical trial programs.
Vaxxas has completed six Phase I clinical trials with the HD-MAP platform to date and works with partners including SK bioscience, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Wellcome Trust, the US Government’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), and the Gates Foundation. The trials have involved over 750 participants and assessed the potential of the technology to address some of the world’s biggest health challenges including COVID-19, flu, and measles and rubella.
