Australian company Vaxxas, which is developing a novel vaccination platform technology, has appointed a former senior Pfizer executive as its chief medical officer.
Dr Chaiken joins Vaxxas after a 23-year career at Pfizer that included serving as chief medical officer for the company’s biopharmaceutical group for emerging markets.
Dr Chaiken will report to Vaxxas CEO David Hoey and support the continued development of the company’s high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP) technology platform through late-stage clinical studies toward commercialisation.
“We are delighted to welcome Rochelle to the Vaxxas team as our Chief Medical Officer. This is a pivotal time for the business as we advance our vaccine patch technology through multiple development programs with respective vaccines and partners,” said Mr Hoey.
“Dr. Chaiken’s extensive track record as a global senior leader in the biopharmaceutical industry, significant experience managing late-stage clinical trials, and successfully launching new products in markets, will be incredibly valuable to us.”
Vaxxas’ patch technology has shown potential in early clinical trials as a platform for the self-administration of vaccines. It is also stable at room temperature, reducing the complexities and costs associated with refrigerated storage and distribution.
“I am very pleased to be joining the Vaxxas team as the company builds momentum for its vaccine patch technology platform,” said Dr Chaiken.
“The last several years have shown us that better and more accessible vaccine options are mission-critical for global human health. With Vaxxas’ plans to advance innovative programs using its vaccine patch technology platform, beyond those currently in the clinic, I look forward to applying my experience to support these efforts to change the vaccine paradigm.”
