VERAXA Biotech (NASDAQ: VRXA), a developer of next-generation antibody-based cancer therapies, has 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 play a pivotal role in supporting the company's capital strategy, exploring strategic opportunities, and facilitating the continued development of its proprietary BiTAC 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, bispecific antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and other innovative antibody-based formats. His extensive background in financial strategy and capital markets is anticipated to be instrumental in navigating the complexities of public markets and securing the resources needed to propel the company's research and development efforts. 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.
The announcement underscores VERAXA's commitment to strengthening its leadership team as it prepares for potential clinical milestones. The company's proprietary BiTAC technology, which stands for bispecific T cell engager with a unique mechanism of action, has been developed based on scientific breakthroughs made at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). VERAXA's focus on quality-by-design principles aims to accelerate the development of next-generation antibody-based therapeutics for cancer treatment.
This strategic hire is likely to have significant implications for VERAXA's future trajectory. With a seasoned financial expert at the helm of its capital strategy, the company may be better positioned to attract investment, forge partnerships, and manage its resources efficiently. Investors and industry observers will be watching closely to see how Willener's expertise influences VERAXA's progress in advancing its pipeline and achieving its corporate objectives. For more information about VERAXA and its latest news, visit the company's newsroom at http://nnw.fm/VRXA.
About VERAXA Biotech AG: VERAXA is dedicated to 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. Leveraging transformative technologies and rigorous quality-by-design principles, the company is advancing its pipeline into clinical development and beyond. Founded on breakthroughs at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), VERAXA is committed to pioneering life science research and cutting-edge technology. BiTAC is a registered trademark of VERAXA Biotech GmbH.
