VERAXA Biotech AG (NASDAQ: VRXA), a developer of next-generation antibody-based cancer therapies, announced the appointment of Raju Willener as chief financial officer, effective immediately. Willener brings over three decades of international financial leadership experience spanning global capital markets, investment banking, corporate finance, asset management, and strategic leadership. He will report to CEO and Co-Founder Christoph Antz, Ph.D., and is expected to support the company's capital strategy, strategic opportunities, and continued development of its proprietary BiTAC technology platform and oncology pipeline.
Prior to joining VERAXA, Willener served as director of corporate development at Exentis Group AG before being appointed CFO in 2025, where he led M&A initiatives, financial strategy, and key corporate functions. Earlier in his career, he held senior executive and investment positions overseeing areas including corporate finance, capital markets, investor relations, and investment portfolios exceeding CHF 30 billion in assets under management. This extensive background positions him to guide VERAXA as it advances its pipeline and explores strategic partnerships.
The appointment comes at a pivotal time for VERAXA, which is building a premier engine for the discovery and development of next-generation antibody-based therapeutics, including bispecific T cell engagers, bispecific ADCs, and other innovative formats. The company's proprietary BiTAC format is designed to enhance tumor targeting and T cell engagement, and its pipeline is advancing toward clinical development. With Willener's expertise, the company aims to strengthen its financial foundation and accelerate its growth trajectory.
“We are delighted to welcome Raju to our leadership team,” said Christoph Antz, CEO and Co-Founder. “His deep understanding of capital markets and corporate finance will be invaluable as we continue to expand our BiTAC platform and advance our pipeline toward clinical milestones. His strategic insight will help us navigate the complexities of financing and partnerships in the biotech sector.”
Willener's appointment is expected to support VERAXA's capital strategy and strategic opportunities, which are crucial for the company's development of its oncology portfolio. The company's technology is rooted in scientific breakthroughs made at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), a world-renowned institution known for pioneering life science research and cutting-edge technology. VERAXA's focus on quality-by-design principles aims to differentiate its therapeutics in a competitive landscape.
The move reflects a broader trend in the biotech industry of bringing seasoned financial leaders on board to manage capital-intensive R&D phases. For VERAXA, having a CFO with extensive experience in managing large investment portfolios and leading corporate finance initiatives could enhance its ability to secure funding, forge strategic alliances, and potentially pursue a listing on major exchanges. The company's recent public listing on NASDAQ under the ticker VRXA underscores its commitment to becoming a significant player in the oncology space.
Investors and industry observers will be watching how Willener's leadership influences VERAXA's next steps, particularly in advancing its BiTAC technology and moving candidates through clinical trials. The company's pipeline includes both ADCs and BiTAC formats, with potential applications in various cancer types. With the addition of Willener, VERAXA is positioning itself to leverage its scientific innovations with robust financial stewardship, aiming to deliver value to patients and shareholders alike.
For more information about VERAXA Biotech and its latest updates, visit the company's newsroom at http://nnw.fm/VRXA. The full press release is available at https://nnw.fm/jcHOU.
