Swiss pharmaceutical incubator Swiss Rockets has achieved a significant breakthrough as its subsidiary RocketVax's nasal COVID-19 vaccine, RVX-sCPD9, has been selected for the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Project NextGen. The announcement, made in June 2024, marks a crucial step forward in developing next-generation vaccines with broader immunity and reduced transmission capabilities.
Innovative Vaccine Technology Platform
The live attenuated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine leverages RocketVax's proprietary reverse genetic engineering and molecular biology platform. This technology not only shows promise for COVID-19 but could potentially be extended to other infectious diseases and cancers. The Phase 1 clinical study, sponsored by NIAID, will evaluate the vaccine's safety and efficacy.
Advancing Cancer Treatment Portfolio
Swiss Rockets' commitment to healthcare innovation extends beyond vaccines through its three R&D subsidiaries. Torqur has developed a breakthrough personalized cancer treatment and topical cream formulation showing high efficacy against skin cancer. The company's third subsidiary, Torpedo Pharmaceuticals, is advancing next-generation radiopharmaceuticals using Terbium-161, a promising isotope for radioligand therapy.
Pioneering Personalized Medicine Approach
The company's innovative approach to personalized medicine is exemplified by the development of bimiralisib, a compound co-discovered by CEO Vladimir Cmiljanović and his sister Natasa. This treatment prevents skin cancer progression by blocking PI3K and mTOR enzymes, effectively halting cancer cell growth.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Directions
Swiss Rockets has established crucial partnerships with academic institutions and research centers across Switzerland, Germany, and the United States. These collaborations are particularly vital for advancing their radioligand therapies and next-generation vaccines. The company's focus on theranostics, combining diagnostic tools like Gallium-68 PSMA with targeted treatments, represents a significant step toward more effective and personalized cancer care.
Impact on Global Healthcare
The company's developments in personalized medicine and innovative therapeutics are positioned to transform treatment approaches for complex diseases. Through integration of AI, genomics, and advanced manufacturing processes, Swiss Rockets aims to improve patient outcomes while reducing treatment costs and expanding global access to cutting-edge therapies.
