VERAXA Biotech AG (NASDAQ: VRXA) announced the advancement of its bispecific antibody-drug conjugate (bsADC) program, VXA-222, after reaching a key technical milestone in its collaboration with OmniAb (NASDAQ: OABI). The company said OmniAb has successfully completed its discovery work, allowing the program to move into its next phase. VXA-222 is designed to target two tumor antigens with a single molecule using an “AND-gate” approach intended to improve precision in treating solid tumors.
Under the collaboration launched in May 2025, OmniAb provided antibody discovery technologies, including its OmniClic platform, while VERAXA is applying its proprietary linker technology and conjugation expertise to develop and validate the lead bsADC candidate. VERAXA holds exclusive rights to develop and commercialize products arising from the collaboration, with OmniAb entitled to a share of specified revenue generated from resulting products. To view the full press release, visit https://ibn.fm/qMRuJ.
This milestone underscores the potential of bispecific ADCs to improve cancer therapy by selectively targeting tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue. The AND-gate logic requires both target antigens to be present for the payload to be released, potentially reducing off-target toxicity. VERAXA’s pipeline includes other bispecific T cell engagers and innovative ADC formats, all powered by its suite of transformative technologies and quality-by-design principles. The company was founded on scientific breakthroughs at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), a world-renowned institution for pioneering life science research.
For VERAXA, advancing VXA-222 to the next phase is a critical step toward clinical development. The collaboration with OmniAb leverages OmniAb’s industry-leading antibody discovery platforms, which include transgenic animals and next-generation sequencing capabilities. OmniAb’s OmniClic platform is specifically designed for generating site-specific conjugations, which can enhance the stability and efficacy of ADCs. By combining OmniAb’s discovery tools with VERAXA’s linker technology, the partnership aims to create a best-in-class bsADC candidate.
The news is significant for investors as it demonstrates progress in VERAXA’s pipeline and validates its partnership strategy. The company’s focus on next-generation antibody therapeutics positions it in a competitive landscape where precision oncology is a key growth area. However, investors should note that the program is still in preclinical stages, and further data will be required to assess its therapeutic potential. For more information about VERAXA, visit its newsroom at http://ibn.fm/VRXA.
