Emergent BioSolutions Invests in Rocketvax, Boosting Next-Gen Vaccine Development

Emergent BioSolutions has announced a strategic investment in Swiss biotech company Rocketvax, marking a significant partnership aimed at advancing innovative vaccine development. The deal, disclosed on March 12, 2025, is set to accelerate Rocketvax's research and development efforts across multiple therapeutic areas.

Investment Details and Strategic Focus

While the exact investment amount remains undisclosed, the funds will be directed to Swiss Rockets, Rocketvax's parent company. The capital injection is earmarked for supporting Rocketvax's research initiatives, infrastructure development, and portfolio expansion. This move aligns with Emergent's strategic focus on growth and turnaround, forming a crucial part of their multi-year transformation plan.

Emergent BioSolutions CEO Joe Papa emphasized the partnership's significance, stating, "We are excited to partner with Rocketvax to accelerate the development of innovative products that address significant public health challenges. These four projects directly support Emergent's strategic focus on growth and turnaround as part of our multi-year transformation plan."

Manufacturing and Commercialization Agreement

In addition to the investment, the companies plan to establish a separate agreement wherein Emergent would spearhead potential U.S. manufacturing and commercialization activities for four of Rocketvax's vaccine candidates. These candidates span a range of therapeutic areas, including infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.

Vladimir Cmiljanovic, Ph.D., CEO and founder of Swiss Rockets, described the partnership as a "game-changer" for Rocketvax, highlighting Emergent's production capabilities and regulatory expertise as key benefits.

Rocketvax's Innovative Vaccine Pipeline

Rocketvax's pipeline includes a promising live-attenuated nasal spray SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, which has shown superior efficacy compared to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in animal models. The company's approach aims to enhance both cellular and mucosal immunity, potentially offering stronger and more durable protection against COVID-19.

The biotech's technology is designed to improve vaccine stability and simplify distribution, addressing critical challenges in global vaccine deployment. In support of this innovative approach, Rocketvax signed a letter of intent with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) last summer to help fund its COVID-19 candidate as part of Project NextGen, an initiative launched by the Department of Health and Human Services to accelerate new, innovative COVID-19 vaccines.