{"success":true,"data":{"pressRelease":{"id":"101709","rtpr_id":"nGNEQvrgg","ticker":"VRXA","exchange":"NASDAQ","all_tickers":["VRXA"],"title":"VERAXA Biotech Strengthens Patent Portfolio to Protect Core Technology Platforms and Product Candidates","author":"Globe Newswire","published_at":"2026-07-29T11:00:00.077Z","article_body":"First BiTAC®-related patent applications filed in H1 2026 including patents\ncovering composition of matter and proprietary payload platform, with\nadditional patents secured in contributing technology areas including click\nchemistry and conjugation technology.\n\nZURICH, SWITZERLAND, July 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VE\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=Wpz72OmcV0J38_Qa4I5tk2PpTKN4V4YdnJgqJSTqFJhEhv17AEKZA9iyB0-chFc1QltDaZFSRz3NRnPPWxAc0w==)RAXA\nBiotech\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=XRe7rN8NUFfo6rZecVK9eBSJmcOTGzDYI5UsnyIE52zIOvEI1vSX1dEsiDezlJBoIhFDaOGzI0b_k-ajsqAJNA==)\nAG (NASDAQ: VRXA; “VERAXA”), an emerging leader in designing novel cancer\ntherapies, today provided an update on its core patent portfolio. During the\nfirst half of 2026, first patent applications were filed to cover the\nCompany’s new generation of technologies including its T cell engager\n(BiTAC-TCE) and antibody-drug-conjugate (BiTAC-ADC) platforms and therapeutic\nprograms derived from them. Additionally, previously granted patents covering\nauxiliary technology modules have now cleared the opposition period. Overall,\nVERAXA now has a portfolio of more than 50 granted owned or exclusively\nlicensed patents in 14 countries, which are spread across 26 patent families.\nOnce the recently filed patent applications are granted, they are expected to\nprotect VERAXA’s core technology suite through at least 2047.\n\n“Patentable innovations are at the heart of any biotechnology company, and\nwe are very pleased to provide an update on recent developments. Our IP\nstrategy mirrors the breadth of novel concepts and innovations we are pursuing\nwith regard to our BiTAC-TCE and BiTAC-ADC platforms, novel payload\nstrategies, and the conjugation technologies and click chemistry enabling such\ntherapies,” commented Christoph Antz, Ph.D., CEO and Co-Founder of VERAXA.\n“Overall, we are building toward a strong IP portfolio protecting our core\ntechnology platforms and product candidates.”\n\nVERAXA is reimagining key aspects of bispecific T cell engager (TCE) and\nantibody-drug-conjugate (ADC) biology through its BiTAC (Bi-targeted\nTumor-Associated Cytotoxicity) strategy. This novel approach relies on a\ndual-component molecular architecture to enhance tumor selectivity and safety\nvia a true “AND-gate” mechanism. For T cell engagers (BiTAC-TCEs), the\nplatform uses two split antibody constructs. Each targets a distinct\ntumor-associated antigen and carries one half of the T cell binding motif.\nOnly when both precursors bind to the same cancer cell do they form a\nfunctional molecule—a mechanism that restricts T cell activity to cells\ndisplaying both tumor markers, sparing healthy tissue. For antibody-drug\nconjugates (BiTAC-ADCs), the technology delivers a systemically inactive\nprodrug and a cell-impermeable proactivator through two separate antibodies,\neach targeting a defined tumor-associated antigen. The payload is only\nreleased inside the cancer cell through a rapid, highly efficient chemical\nreaction called ‘click-to-release’. VERAXA’s click chemistry leverages\nthe ultra-fast reaction between trans-cyclooctenes (TCOs) and tetrazines—one\nof the fastest in nature. The reaction kinetics and other proprietary\nimprovements enable VERAXA to avoid the premature payload release during\nsystemic circulation, as seen with past ADC approaches, and unlock cost\nsavings in BiTAC-ADC manufacturing. In addition, VERAXA applies proprietary\nconjugation, linker, and hydrophilic payload technologies across its BiTAC and\nnon-BiTAC pipelines, further enhancing the safety, efficacy, and\nmanufacturability of its next-generation therapies.\n\nAbout VERAXA Biotech AG (NASDAQ: VRXA)\n\nAt VERAXA, we are building a premier engine for the discovery and development\nof next-generation antibody-based therapeutics, including bispecific T cell\nengagers, bispecific ADCs and other innovative formats. Powered by a suite of\ntransformative technologies and guided by rigorous quality-by-design\nprinciples, we are rapidly advancing our pipeline of ADCs and proprietary\nBiTAC formats into clinical development and beyond. VERAXA was founded on\nscientific breakthroughs made at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory\n(EMBL), a world-renowned institution known for pioneering life science\nresearch and cutting-edge technology.\n\nFor regular updates about VERAXA Biotech, visit https://investors.veraxa.com/\nor follow us on LinkedIn\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=1I30txxI224_IbEzH4rvDBsQfbxzzdVUA13fbP4jaDnsLundOzDVxMi0qADRxViR5s4zUGHq08Caf5_mnHFW84zTk0NcOGcCWYXBJxVWRJ_fjkJ4giFjN8hL0T6b8ab7),\nX\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=BBWkI3xCVDKGebnsV9xbXJg4jDU5n4ZJu4cJev129pirqTvE9zzjP-yGoZROLTxTdHgLZYokwzOib1rpVeLqxQ==)\n(formerly known as Twitter) and Bluesky\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=Vc2n_ms0xZ1UTKHivYFBE3lj-cr44K-gdhNTkJausimNG_2wgG16JA-d8hR-LZ5xiv4lqXBfTM_axTGSg_Fw16Kgs4v_cTANJvbApOWqXDd_rgJqVX5fLPTiPxALWafd).\n\nBiTAC® is a registered trademark of VERAXA Biotech GmbH.\n\nForward-looking Statements\n\nThis press release may contain \"forward-looking statements\" within the meaning\nof the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements that\naddress activities, events, or developments that VERAXA Biotech AG (the\n\"Company\") intends, expects, plans, projects, believes, or anticipates will or\nmay occur in the future are forward-looking statements, including as to the\nability of the Company’s intellectual property rights to protect its\ntherapeutic candidate portfolio and technology. Such forward-looking\nstatements are based on current expectations and involve inherent risks and\nuncertainties, including factors that could delay, divert or change any of\nthem, and could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from\ncurrent expectations, including with respect to the company’s ability to\nfile future patents, have patents accepted, granted, and subsequently upheld\nwithout opposition. Forward-looking statements contained on this press release\nshould be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the\nCompany's business, particularly those identified in the risk factors section\nof the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and any subsequent\nreports on Form 6-K. These documents are available from the Securities and\nExchange Commission, the Company website or from Company Investor Relations.\n\nIn addition, any information contained in this press release was current as of\nthe date presented and should not be relied upon as representing our estimates\nas of any subsequent date. While we may elect to update forward-looking\nstatements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any\nobligation to do so, even if our estimates change, whether as a result of new\ninformation, future events or otherwise. Consequently, the company will not\nupdate the information contained in this press release and investors should\nnot rely upon the information as current or accurate after the presentation\ndate.\n\nAttachment\n*     20260729_VRXA_IP_Update_FINAL\n(https://ml-eu.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/f9478703-a1e6-4f52-a736-ce9f7f027b11)\n\nContact\nVERAXA Biotech AG – Corporate \nChristoph Antz, Ph.D.\nChief Executive Officer, Co-Founder\ninvestors@veraxa.com\n\nFor Media and Investors – U.S.\nBrandon Weiner\nICR Healthcare\nVERAXA@icrhealthcare.com\n\nFor Media and Investors – EU\nMario Brkulj\ninvestors@veraxa.com","article_body_html":"","raw_payload":{"data":{"id":"nGNEQvrgg","title":"VERAXA Biotech Strengthens Patent Portfolio to Protect Core Technology Platforms and Product Candidates","author":"Globe Newswire","ticker":"VRXA","created":"2026-07-29T11:00:00.077Z","tickers":["VRXA"],"exchange":"NASDAQ","article_body":"First BiTAC®-related patent applications filed in H1 2026 including patents\ncovering composition of matter and proprietary payload platform, with\nadditional patents secured in contributing technology areas including click\nchemistry and conjugation technology.\n\nZURICH, SWITZERLAND, July 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VE\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=Wpz72OmcV0J38_Qa4I5tk2PpTKN4V4YdnJgqJSTqFJhEhv17AEKZA9iyB0-chFc1QltDaZFSRz3NRnPPWxAc0w==)RAXA\nBiotech\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=XRe7rN8NUFfo6rZecVK9eBSJmcOTGzDYI5UsnyIE52zIOvEI1vSX1dEsiDezlJBoIhFDaOGzI0b_k-ajsqAJNA==)\nAG (NASDAQ: VRXA; “VERAXA”), an emerging leader in designing novel cancer\ntherapies, today provided an update on its core patent portfolio. During the\nfirst half of 2026, first patent applications were filed to cover the\nCompany’s new generation of technologies including its T cell engager\n(BiTAC-TCE) and antibody-drug-conjugate (BiTAC-ADC) platforms and therapeutic\nprograms derived from them. Additionally, previously granted patents covering\nauxiliary technology modules have now cleared the opposition period. Overall,\nVERAXA now has a portfolio of more than 50 granted owned or exclusively\nlicensed patents in 14 countries, which are spread across 26 patent families.\nOnce the recently filed patent applications are granted, they are expected to\nprotect VERAXA’s core technology suite through at least 2047.\n\n“Patentable innovations are at the heart of any biotechnology company, and\nwe are very pleased to provide an update on recent developments. Our IP\nstrategy mirrors the breadth of novel concepts and innovations we are pursuing\nwith regard to our BiTAC-TCE and BiTAC-ADC platforms, novel payload\nstrategies, and the conjugation technologies and click chemistry enabling such\ntherapies,” commented Christoph Antz, Ph.D., CEO and Co-Founder of VERAXA.\n“Overall, we are building toward a strong IP portfolio protecting our core\ntechnology platforms and product candidates.”\n\nVERAXA is reimagining key aspects of bispecific T cell engager (TCE) and\nantibody-drug-conjugate (ADC) biology through its BiTAC (Bi-targeted\nTumor-Associated Cytotoxicity) strategy. This novel approach relies on a\ndual-component molecular architecture to enhance tumor selectivity and safety\nvia a true “AND-gate” mechanism. For T cell engagers (BiTAC-TCEs), the\nplatform uses two split antibody constructs. Each targets a distinct\ntumor-associated antigen and carries one half of the T cell binding motif.\nOnly when both precursors bind to the same cancer cell do they form a\nfunctional molecule—a mechanism that restricts T cell activity to cells\ndisplaying both tumor markers, sparing healthy tissue. For antibody-drug\nconjugates (BiTAC-ADCs), the technology delivers a systemically inactive\nprodrug and a cell-impermeable proactivator through two separate antibodies,\neach targeting a defined tumor-associated antigen. The payload is only\nreleased inside the cancer cell through a rapid, highly efficient chemical\nreaction called ‘click-to-release’. VERAXA’s click chemistry leverages\nthe ultra-fast reaction between trans-cyclooctenes (TCOs) and tetrazines—one\nof the fastest in nature. The reaction kinetics and other proprietary\nimprovements enable VERAXA to avoid the premature payload release during\nsystemic circulation, as seen with past ADC approaches, and unlock cost\nsavings in BiTAC-ADC manufacturing. In addition, VERAXA applies proprietary\nconjugation, linker, and hydrophilic payload technologies across its BiTAC and\nnon-BiTAC pipelines, further enhancing the safety, efficacy, and\nmanufacturability of its next-generation therapies.\n\nAbout VERAXA Biotech AG (NASDAQ: VRXA)\n\nAt VERAXA, we are building a premier engine for the discovery and development\nof next-generation antibody-based therapeutics, including bispecific T cell\nengagers, bispecific ADCs and other innovative formats. Powered by a suite of\ntransformative technologies and guided by rigorous quality-by-design\nprinciples, we are rapidly advancing our pipeline of ADCs and proprietary\nBiTAC formats into clinical development and beyond. VERAXA was founded on\nscientific breakthroughs made at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory\n(EMBL), a world-renowned institution known for pioneering life science\nresearch and cutting-edge technology.\n\nFor regular updates about VERAXA Biotech, visit https://investors.veraxa.com/\nor follow us on LinkedIn\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=1I30txxI224_IbEzH4rvDBsQfbxzzdVUA13fbP4jaDnsLundOzDVxMi0qADRxViR5s4zUGHq08Caf5_mnHFW84zTk0NcOGcCWYXBJxVWRJ_fjkJ4giFjN8hL0T6b8ab7),\nX\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=BBWkI3xCVDKGebnsV9xbXJg4jDU5n4ZJu4cJev129pirqTvE9zzjP-yGoZROLTxTdHgLZYokwzOib1rpVeLqxQ==)\n(formerly known as Twitter) and Bluesky\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=Vc2n_ms0xZ1UTKHivYFBE3lj-cr44K-gdhNTkJausimNG_2wgG16JA-d8hR-LZ5xiv4lqXBfTM_axTGSg_Fw16Kgs4v_cTANJvbApOWqXDd_rgJqVX5fLPTiPxALWafd).\n\nBiTAC® is a registered trademark of VERAXA Biotech GmbH.\n\nForward-looking Statements\n\nThis press release may contain \"forward-looking statements\" within the meaning\nof the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements that\naddress activities, events, or developments that VERAXA Biotech AG (the\n\"Company\") intends, expects, plans, projects, believes, or anticipates will or\nmay occur in the future are forward-looking statements, including as to the\nability of the Company’s intellectual property rights to protect its\ntherapeutic candidate portfolio and technology. Such forward-looking\nstatements are based on current expectations and involve inherent risks and\nuncertainties, including factors that could delay, divert or change any of\nthem, and could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from\ncurrent expectations, including with respect to the company’s ability to\nfile future patents, have patents accepted, granted, and subsequently upheld\nwithout opposition. Forward-looking statements contained on this press release\nshould be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the\nCompany's business, particularly those identified in the risk factors section\nof the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and any subsequent\nreports on Form 6-K. These documents are available from the Securities and\nExchange Commission, the Company website or from Company Investor Relations.\n\nIn addition, any information contained in this press release was current as of\nthe date presented and should not be relied upon as representing our estimates\nas of any subsequent date. While we may elect to update forward-looking\nstatements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any\nobligation to do so, even if our estimates change, whether as a result of new\ninformation, future events or otherwise. Consequently, the company will not\nupdate the information contained in this press release and investors should\nnot rely upon the information as current or accurate after the presentation\ndate.\n\nAttachment\n*     20260729_VRXA_IP_Update_FINAL\n(https://ml-eu.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/f9478703-a1e6-4f52-a736-ce9f7f027b11)\n\nContact\nVERAXA Biotech AG – Corporate \nChristoph Antz, Ph.D.\nChief Executive Officer, Co-Founder\ninvestors@veraxa.com\n\nFor Media and Investors – U.S.\nBrandon Weiner\nICR Healthcare\nVERAXA@icrhealthcare.com\n\nFor Media and Investors – EU\nMario Brkulj\ninvestors@veraxa.com"},"type":"article","timestamp":"2026-07-29T11:00:00.408801697Z","server_sent_at_ms":1785322800408},"received_at":"2026-07-29T11:00:00.487Z","source_url":"https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/07/29/3335104/0/en/veraxa-biotech-strengthens-patent-portfolio-to-protect-core-technology-platforms-and-product-candidates.html"},"analysis":{"id":"90731","press_release_id":"101709","analysis_json":{"industry":{"label":"Biotechnology","sector":"Health Care"},"redFlags":[],"eventType":"operations_update","narrative":"VERAXA filed its first patent applications covering its BiTAC-TCE and BiTAC-ADC platforms in H1 2026, targeting composition of matter and proprietary payloads.\n\nThe company now holds more than 50 granted or exclusively licensed patents across 26 families in 14 countries, with protections expected to extend through at least 2047.\n\nThis expanded IP portfolio supports the firm's dual-component 'AND-gate' strategy, which aims to enhance tumor selectivity and safety for cancer therapies.","sentiment":"bullish","agentHooks":{"shouldPost":false,"suggestedAngle":"IP expansion secures BiTAC platform through 2047."},"keyFigures":{"customDimensions":{"countries":14,"patent_families":26,"patents_granted":"more than 50","protection_until":2047}},"quotedText":"Patentable innovations are at the heart of any biotechnology company, and we are very pleased to provide an update on recent developments.","namedEntities":{"people":[{"name":"Christoph Antz","role":"CEO and Co-Founder"},{"name":"Brandon Weiner","role":"Media and Investors - U.S. (ICR Healthcare)"},{"name":"Mario Brkulj","role":"Media and Investors - EU"}],"products":["BiTAC-TCE","BiTAC-ADC","BiTAC"],"companies":[{"name":"VERAXA Biotech AG","ticker":"VRXA"},{"name":"European Molecular Biology Laboratory","relationship":"research origin"},{"name":"ICR Healthcare","relationship":"investor relations"}],"dollarAmounts":[]},"materialImpact":{"score":2,"reasoning":"Strategic strengthening of the IP portfolio with new filings for core platforms, extending protection to 2047. While positive for long-term moat building, this is an operational update rather than a clinical or commercial binary event."},"tickerRelevance":{"others":[],"primary":"VRXA"},"globalImportance":25,"audienceRelevance":30,"eventTypeSecondary":[],"importanceComponents":{"tickerTier":"small-mid-cap","eventGravity":"operational-update"}},"event_type":"operations_update","event_type_secondary":null,"sentiment":"bullish","material_impact_score":2,"narrative":"VERAXA filed its first patent applications covering its BiTAC-TCE and BiTAC-ADC platforms in H1 2026, targeting composition of matter and proprietary payloads.\n\nThe company now holds more than 50 granted or exclusively licensed patents across 26 families in 14 countries, with protections expected to extend through at least 2047.\n\nThis expanded IP portfolio supports the firm's dual-component 'AND-gate' strategy, which aims to enhance tumor selectivity and safety for cancer therapies.","key_figures":{"customDimensions":{"countries":14,"patent_families":26,"patents_granted":"more than 50","protection_until":2047}},"named_entities":{"people":[{"name":"Christoph Antz","role":"CEO and Co-Founder"},{"name":"Brandon Weiner","role":"Media and Investors - U.S. (ICR Healthcare)"},{"name":"Mario Brkulj","role":"Media and Investors - EU"}],"products":["BiTAC-TCE","BiTAC-ADC","BiTAC"],"companies":[{"name":"VERAXA Biotech AG","ticker":"VRXA"},{"name":"European Molecular Biology Laboratory","relationship":"research origin"},{"name":"ICR Healthcare","relationship":"investor relations"}],"dollarAmounts":[]},"model_name":"glm-4.7","prompt_hash":"sha256:727b4b9429a443af","schema_hash":"sha256:05005c02d9cffac9","created_at":"2026-07-29T12:20:34.133Z","global_importance":25,"audience_relevance":30,"importance_components":{"tickerTier":"small-mid-cap","eventGravity":"operational-update"}},"durationMs":133730,"modelName":"glm-4.7"}}