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09-Dec-2024

CeraVx B.V. Emerges from Stealth Acquires Micro Needle Technology from MLT Appoints Management and Supervisory Board

CeraVx B.V., a global biotechnology company focused on developing and commercialising a proprietary drug delivery platform, today announced its emergence from stealth mode following a successful bid to acquire key microneedle technology assets from MyLife Technologies B.V. (MLT) and the appointment of its management team and members of the supervisory board.

CeraMaps, the company's drug delivery platform, is based on ceramic microneedle array patches (CeraMAPs™). This technology was initially developed at the University of Twente's MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, The Netherlands. In 2012, MLT, a spin-off from the university, began developing a lab-scale production process for high-quality ceramic microneedle patches and conducted in-vivo proof-of-concept studies using the drug delivery platform. These studies evaluated various biomolecules, demonstrating strong antibody immune responses in animals. In June 2024, MLT filed for bankruptcy.

The newly established, VC-backed company, CeraVx B.V., aims to revolutionise drug delivery systems with its innovative CeraMaps platform by offering safe and effective intradermal drug delivery solutions. The company seeks to enhance patients' quality of life by creating pain-free, precise, and environmentally sustainable delivery systems, enabling seamless access to critical medications and vaccines through partnerships with leading biotech and pharmaceutical companies.

CeraVx's management team includes industry experts: Dr. Jan Groen, former Chairman and CEO of Intravacc; Sr. Director R&D Dinja Oosterhof, former Vice President of R&D at Intravacc; and COO Jelte Meulenaar, PharmD, former Programme Director at MLT. The development of the CeraVx core platform CeraMAPs will headed by two ceramic technology experts Francesca Tana PhD and Charlotte Schausten PhD.

The newly appointed Supervisory Board members are Mr Bart van Zijll Langhout, (Chairman), current Chairman of the Leiden Bio Science Park Foundation; Harry Flore, former CEO of Halix; and Ivo Ploemen,, Co-CEO of Praetorian Bio Inc. All board members have extensive experience in the vaccine industry.

Valentijn Borstlap managing director of Aorta Holding B.V. stated:

"We are thrilled to announce the appointment of an exceptional management team and supervisory board at CeraVx. bringing unparalleled leadership and expertise to the company, all with an impressive track record in the biotechnology and vaccine industries. With their collective experience, we are confident that CeraVx will be at the forefront of revolutionising drug delivery through its innovative ceramic microneedle platform."

About the Microneedle Market

The global market for microneedles, including ceramic microneedles, is showing a steady growth. By 2026, the overall microneedle market is expected to reach approximately $1.7 billion, with an annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9% since 2021. This growth is driven by the rising adoption of microneedles for drug delivery, diagnostics, and dermatology, along with increasing interest in minimally invasive treatments.

About CeraVx

CeraVx B.V. is a privately held global biotechnology company developing and commercializing a proprietary drug delivery platform based on a ceramic micro-needle array patches (CeraMAPs™). The CeraMaps technology was initially developed at the University of Twente, MESA+, Institute for Nanotechnology, The Netherlands. The company is focussing on prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. In 2024 CeraVx acquired the proprietary micro-needle technology from MLT.

About CeraMAPs™

CeraMaps are nanometre-scale microneedles made from biocompatible, inert ceramic materials, integrated into a patch designed for intradermal drug delivery through the skin. Each CeraMaps patch contains approximately one hundred microscopic needles, which only penetrate the outermost layer of the skin where abundant immune cells naturally reside. Importantly, the needles do not reach sensitive nerves or blood vessels, making the administration of vaccines or medicines completely painless. Intradermal delivery through CeraMaps can use up to 5 to 20 times less active ingredient compared to traditional intramuscular injections (IM). Additional advantages of the CeraMaps patch over IM injections include painlessness, the possibility for self-administration, non-invasiveness, and improved drug absorption. CeraVx has developed two types of microneedle patches: CeraPore (porous microneedles) and CeraShovel (solid microneedles). The company also offers customised CeraMaps patches, varying in needle density, array dimensions, and cavity structure.

For further details, please visit our website at https://ceravx.bio/

Contact info

CeraVx B.V
Dr. Jan Groen, CEO
E: info@ceravx.bio

SOURCE: CeraVx

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Last Updated: 10-Dec-2024