LOS ANGELES, CA - VERAXA Biotech (NASDAQ: VRXA), a developer of next-generation antibody-based cancer therapies, announced today the appointment of Raju Willener as chief financial officer, effective immediately. Willener brings over three decades of international financial leadership experience, covering 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(R) technology platform and oncology pipeline.
Willener's appointment comes at a critical time for VERAXA as it advances its pipeline of bispecific T cell engagers and bispecific ADCs. His background in managing large investment portfolios and leading M&A initiatives will be instrumental in guiding the company's financial strategy and potential partnerships. 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 move signals VERAXA's intent to strengthen its financial foundation as it pushes its therapeutic candidates toward clinical development. The company's BiTAC platform, which stands for bispecific T cell engager antibody conjugates, represents a novel approach to cancer therapy, leveraging the immune system to target and eliminate tumor cells. With Willener's extensive experience in capital markets, VERAXA is better positioned to secure the necessary funding and strategic alliances to accelerate its research and development efforts.
According to CEO Christoph Antz, Ph.D., "Raju's deep financial expertise and proven track record in corporate development will be invaluable as we advance our pipeline and explore strategic opportunities. His leadership will help us navigate the complexities of the capital markets and ensure we have the resources to bring our innovative therapies to patients."
The appointment also comes amid growing interest in the biotech sector for innovative cancer treatments. VERAXA's focus on next-generation antibody-based therapeutics positions it well within this competitive landscape. The company's technology, founded on scientific breakthroughs at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), offers a unique advantage in the development of bispecific antibodies and ADCs.
Willener's role will be pivotal in shaping the company's financial future, particularly in managing investor relations and communicating the company's progress to the financial community. With his guidance, VERAXA aims to maintain transparency and build confidence among its shareholders as it progresses toward clinical milestones.
The full press release is available at https://nnw.fm/jcHOU. For more information on VERAXA Biotech, visit the company's newsroom at https://ibn.fm/VRXA.
