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 more than three decades of international financial leadership experience across 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.
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 appointment comes at a critical time for VERAXA as it advances its pipeline of bispecific T cell engagers, bispecific ADCs, and other innovative antibody formats. The company’s proprietary BiTAC technology, developed from breakthroughs at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), is positioned to address significant unmet needs in oncology. Willener’s expertise in capital markets and corporate finance will be instrumental in securing the resources needed to propel these programs through clinical development and toward commercialization.
The addition of a seasoned CFO like Willener signals VERAXA’s commitment to strengthening its financial foundation and pursuing strategic growth opportunities. His track record in managing large investment portfolios and leading M&A initiatives will be invaluable as the company navigates the complex landscape of biotech financing and partnership deals. Investors are likely to view this move positively, as it brings a level of financial acumen that can help de-risk the company’s ambitious development plans.
VERAXA’s focus on next-generation antibody-based therapeutics is part of a broader trend in oncology towards more targeted and potent treatments. The BiTAC platform, which stands for bispecific T cell engagers and ADCs, has the potential to improve efficacy and reduce off-target effects compared to traditional therapies. With Willener on board, the company is better positioned to attract the necessary capital to advance these promising candidates through the clinic and ultimately to patients.
For more information on VERAXA Biotech and its pipeline, visit the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/VRXA. The full press release is available at https://nnw.fm/jcHOU.
