VERAXA Biotech Combines with Voyager Acquisition Corp. to Pursue Next-Generation Cancer Therapies
Deal News | Apr 23, 2025 | EIN
VERAXA Biotech AG, a leader in cancer therapy innovations, and Voyager Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), have announced a definitive business combination agreement. The merger aims to create a Nasdaq-listed biopharmaceutical company focused on cutting-edge cancer therapies, with VERAXA Biotech expected to list under the ticker symbol VERX. The merger values VERAXA at $1.3 billion in pre-money equity, with the combined entity anticipated to have an implied pro-forma equity value of $1.64 billion. VERAXA's robust pipeline includes nine programs such as bispecific T-cell engagers and antibody-drug conjugates, with strategic partnerships being pursued. The transaction is anticipated to close in Q4 2025, pending approvals. This combination will enable VERAXA to access $253 million in cash and facilitate the company's entry into the U.S. capital markets to support its clinical assets and technology platform development.
Sectors
- Biotechnology
- Healthcare
- Pharmaceuticals
Geography
- Switzerland – VERAXA Biotech AG is based in Zurich, Switzerland, conducting its research and development in this geographical region.
- United States – The business combination will result in a Nasdaq-listed entity, a significant activity taking place in the U.S. market.
- Cayman Islands – Voyager Acquisition Corp. is incorporated as a Cayman Islands exempted company, marking relevance for this geography.
Industry
- Biotechnology – The article is primarily about VERAXA Biotech AG, a company operating within the biotechnology sector, specifically in developing next-generation cancer therapies.
- Healthcare – Voyager Acquisition Corp. is targeting the healthcare sector, aiming to merge with companies like VERAXA Biotech that are focused on medical innovations and therapies.
- Pharmaceuticals – The merger emphasizes advancing pharmaceutical solutions such as antibody-drug conjugates and T-cell engagers, aligning with the pharmaceuticals industry.
Financials
- $1.3 Billion – Pre-money equity value of VERAXA Biotech in the proposed business combination.
- $1.64 Billion – Implied pro forma equity value of VERAXA post-combination.
- $253 Million – Cash held in trust by Voyager Acquisition Corp., available upon closing of the business combination.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| VERAXA Biotech AG | Target company | Company | VERAXA Biotech is an innovative biotech firm focused on developing advanced cancer therapies. |
| Voyager Acquisition Corp. | Bidding Company/Buyer | Company | Voyager is a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) targeting healthcare innovations. |
| Xlife Sciences AG | Major Shareholder | Company | Xlife Sciences is a Swiss-based life sciences incubator holding significant shares in VERAXA Biotech AG. |
| Anne Martina Group | M&A Advisor | Company | Anne Martina Group provides M&A advisory services to VERAXA Biotech in this transaction. |
| Duane Morris LLP | Legal Advisor to VERAXA | Company | Legal firm advising VERAXA Biotech on the business combination. |
| Winston & Strawn LLP | Legal Advisor to Voyager | Company | Legal firm advising Voyager Acquisition Corp. on the merger. |
| Christoph Antz, Ph.D. | CEO of VERAXA Biotech | Person | Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of VERAXA. |
| Adeel Rouf | CEO of Voyager Acquisition Corp. | Person | Chief Executive Officer and Director of Voyager. |