Vaxxas Strengthens Leadership With Appointment Of Veteran Vaccine Expert To Board As It Moves Closer To Launching Its Needle-Free Vaccine Patch

Australian biotechnology company Vaxxas Pty Ltd has announced the appointment of Brent MacGregor as an Independent Non-Executive Director to its Board. This appointment comes as the company continues advancing its high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP) technology—a needle-free, self-administered vaccination platform—towards commercialization.

Brent MacGregor brings with him more than three decades of experience in the global vaccine and medical device industries. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Medical Developments International, an Australian company focused on developing and distributing innovative medicines and medical devices. Under his leadership, MVP has expanded the global presence of products such as Penthrox®, also known as “The Green Whistle,” which is widely used for acute pain relief, as well as a range of spacers designed for asthma and COPD patients. These products are now available in more than 25 countries. In addition to his role at MVP, MacGregor also sits on the Board of Dynavax Technologies.

Before joining MVP, MacGregor held senior leadership roles at CSL Seqirus, Novartis Vaccines, and Sanofi Pasteur, overseeing vaccine businesses at both regional and global levels. His extensive background across four continents in vaccine development, commercialization, and medical device innovation is expected to greatly benefit Vaxxas as it moves closer to introducing the HD-MAP technology to the global market.

According to OneVentures Partner and Vaxxas Chair, Sarah Meibusch, the appointment marks an important step in Vaxxas’ growth journey. She stated that Vaxxas is entering a critical phase, scaling up manufacturing and completing the necessary clinical milestones to bring a convenient, self-administered, needle-free vaccination option to the public. Meibusch added that MacGregor’s proven track record in building and managing major vaccine businesses will provide the strategic direction needed to accelerate the company’s path from clinical development to commercial launch.

Commenting on his new role, MacGregor said that Vaxxas’ HD-MAP platform represents a transformative step in vaccine delivery, offering a viable alternative to the traditional needle and syringe method. He explained that by simplifying supply chains, reducing dependence on cold-chain storage, and enabling at-home self-administration, HD-MAP technology could make vaccines more accessible worldwide and improve overall public health outcomes.

Alongside MacGregor’s appointment, Michael Shleifer, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of SPRIM Global Investments, has joined the Vaxxas Board as an Observer. SPRIM Global Investments recently led Vaxxas’ approximately $90 million funding round, providing crucial support for the company’s next phase of development. Shleifer described the HD-MAP technology as a once-in-a-generation innovation and expressed excitement about backing Vaxxas at a pivotal stage as it transitions from clinical research to market readiness.

Vaxxas has been steadily building momentum towards market entry. The company recently installed its first robotic manufacturing lines at a new 5,500 square meter, state-of-the-art biomedical manufacturing facility in Brisbane. This facility will play a key role in supporting the production of HD-MAP vaccine products for later-stage clinical trials and eventual large-scale distribution. To date, Vaxxas has completed six Phase I clinical trials involving more than 750 participants. These trials have evaluated the safety and efficacy of the HD-MAP platform for delivering vaccines against several major infectious diseases, including COVID-19, influenza, measles, and rubella. 

The company works closely with several high-profile global partners such as SK bioscience, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the Wellcome Trust, the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Together, these collaborations aim to harness Vaxxas’ technology to address some of the world’s most pressing public health challenges and improve vaccine accessibility on a global scale.