VERAXA Biotech Appoints Industry Veteran Rick Austin as CSO to Propel Clinical Developments

Company - People | May 20, 2025 | EIN

VERAXA Biotech Appoints Industry Veteran Rick Austin as CSO to Propel Clinical Developments

VERAXA Biotech AG has appointed Rick Austin, a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in oncology drug development, as its Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). This strategic move coincides with VERAXA's transformative phase as it anticipates a public listing through a business combination with Voyager Acquisition Corp., a healthcare-focused special purpose acquisition company (SPAC). Austin's expertise is expected to advance VERAXA's BiTAC platform into clinical-stage development, leveraging his extensive background from positions at Harpoon Therapeutics and Amgen, and his substantial contribution to the oncology field, including numerous patents and publications. VERAXA, founded on scientific breakthroughs at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, aims to lead in next-generation, antibody-based therapeutic development. The company is known for its innovative approaches to cancer treatment, prioritizing efficacy and safety through its advanced therapeutic platforms. Alongside its impending public market debut, VERAXA's new appointment underlines its commitment to expanding its scientific capabilities and tapping into the U.S. biopharma talent pool.

Sectors

  • Biotechnology
  • Healthcare Investment

Geography

  • United States – The article focuses on activities and future plans involving the U.S. pharmaceutical and biopharma talent landscape, especially related to Rick Austin's appointment and his background.
  • Cayman Islands – Voyager Acquisition Corp., the SPAC planning to merge with VERAXA, is a Cayman Islands exempted company.
  • Europe – VERAXA Biotech was founded on discoveries made at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, indicating its European scientific foundation.

Industry

  • Biotechnology – The article discusses VERAXA Biotech AG, which is involved in pharmaceutical biotechnology focusing on advanced cancer therapies and therapeutic platforms like BiTAC.
  • Healthcare Investment – Voyager Acquisition Corp. is a special purpose acquisition company targeting investments in the healthcare sector, relevant to the pending business combination with VERAXA.

Financials

    Participants

    NameRoleTypeDescription
    VERAXA Biotech AGTarget CompanyCompanyAn emerging leader in designing novel cancer therapies, with a focus on antibody-based therapeutics and the BiTAC platform.
    Voyager Acquisition Corp.Bidding CompanyCompanyA special purpose acquisition company aiming to acquire VERAXA and help it become publicly listed on NASDAQ.
    Rick Austin, Ph.D.Newly Appointed Chief Scientific OfficerPersonAn industry veteran with extensive experience in oncology drug development, recruited to enhance VERAXA's scientific endeavors and U.S. presence.
    Harpoon TherapeuticsPrevious Employer of Rick AustinCompanyA biotechnology company focused on T-cell engagers, where Dr. Austin served as Vice President of Research.
    AmgenPrevious Employer of Rick AustinCompanyA major biotechnology company where Dr. Austin managed tumor immunology projects.