Singapore: Vaxxas, a biotechnology company commercializing a novel vaccine delivery platform, has initiated a research collaboration with Merck, known as MSD outside the US and Canada. The collaboration will evaluate Vaxxas' proprietary Nanopatch platform that induces robust immune system activation by targeting vaccine to the abundant immunological cells immediately below the surface of the skin.

In addition, Vaxxas has granted Merck an exclusive license for the Nanopatch platform for commercial production of an undisclosed vaccine candidate. Vaxxas is a venture capital funded technology start-up company developing technology that originated from the Australian Institute of Bioengineering & Nanotechnology at The University of Queensland in Australia.

Under the agreement, Merck will pay an upfront fee and will provide funding to Vaxxas to conduct research evaluating the potential of using Vaxxas' Nanopatch platform for a Merck vaccine candidate. Vaxxas will be eligible to receive additional payments associated with Merck exercising its option to the Nanopatch platform for the development and commercialization of vaccine candidates for up to two additional fields.

Vaxxas will also be eligible to receive payments upon achievement of development milestones and regulatory approvals by any Merck vaccine candidate that uses the Nanopatch platform as well as royalties on sales of such Merck vaccine products.

"We are pleased to collaborate with Merck, a recognized global leader in vaccines, to apply our technology with their expertise in vaccines research," said Mr David L Hoey, CEO of Vaxxas. "This collaboration underscores the potential of our Nanopatch platform to effectively deliver advanced vaccines and supports our strategic approach of partnering with leaders in vaccine development."