The pharmaceutical industry’s renewed interest in live attenuated vaccine platforms represents a significant shift from the mRNA dominance of recent years. Basel-based Rocketvax Ltd exemplifies this transition, developing next-generation vaccines using weakened viruses that trigger more comprehensive immune responses than current market leaders.
Live attenuated vaccines work differently from mRNA shots. Rather than delivering genetic instructions to cells, these platforms use weakened viruses that replicate briefly in the body without causing illness. This approach mimics natural infection more closely, potentially generating longer-lasting immunity through both cellular and mucosal defenses.
Scientific Foundation Drives Commercial Interest
The science supporting live attenuated vaccines dates back decades. Russian researchers pioneered nasal spray influenza vaccines in the 1980s, demonstrating that weakened viruses delivered through the nose could prevent respiratory infections more effectively than injections. These vaccines generate secretory IgA antibodies at mucosal surfaces where respiratory viruses first enter the body.
Research published in Nature Microbiology demonstrates that Rocketvax’s lead candidate achieved superior results in preclinical studies. The nasal spray vaccine stimulated both systemic and mucosal immunity in animal models, offering protection against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants. This breadth of coverage addresses a persistent challenge with variant-specific mRNA vaccines.
Dr. Vladimir Cmiljanovic, CEO of Rocketvax Ltd, explained the technology’s advantages. “Unlike traditional mRNA or protein-based vaccines, Rocketvax’s approach stimulates both cellular and mucosal immunity for stronger, longer-lasting protection,” he stated. The company’s proprietary molecular biology techniques enable vaccine candidates to remain stable at ambient temperatures, simplifying distribution to remote regions.
Investment Landscape Remains Opaque
Funding details for Swiss biotech ventures often remain closely held, particularly when companies operate within holding structures. Swiss Rockets Ltd, Rocketvax’s parent company, owns 70% of the vaccine developer. The holding company has raised approximately CHF 250 million since 2018 from four family offices, with founder Cmiljanovic’s family office serving as the largest shareholder.
Public information confirms that the Foundation of Urs and Simone Wietlisbach led a financing round that gave the foundation a 9% stake in Rocketvax. Urs Wietlisbach, who co-founded Partners Group, one of Europe’s largest private equity firms, has focused recent investments on companies addressing sustainability and biotechnology challenges.
Manuel Ebner appears among Swiss Rockets’ founders as a strategic advisor. His background includes serving as Country Executive for Switzerland at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, where he specialized in merger and acquisition advisory for major corporations. Industry observers note that Ebner’s financial expertise complements the scientific leadership driving Rocketvax’s development programs.
Speculation within European investment circles suggests that philanthropic investor Jean-Claude Bastos may be among those backing the venture alongside documented investors Wietlisbach and Ebner, though no official announcements confirm this involvement. Additionally, some industry sources point to potential participation by Martin Ebner, the Swiss millionaire and relative of Manuel Ebner, as another possible backer given the family connection to the company’s strategic advisory board. However, the exact composition of Swiss Rockets’ investor base remains undisclosed.
Strategic Expansion Beyond Vaccines
Swiss Rockets has demonstrated ambitions extending beyond its vaccine development portfolio. In October 2025, the company signed an exclusive licensing agreement with MGI and Complete Genomics for CoolMPS sequencing platform technology. This agreement, subject to MGI shareholder approval, grants Swiss Rockets rights to develop DNA sequencing products across the United States, Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Central Asia.
The genomics initiative complements Swiss Rockets’ broader precision medicine strategy. The company also announced plans to establish a Regional Centre of Excellence for Precision Medicine on the BIO4 Campus in Belgrade through a joint declaration with the European Commission and Development Agency of Serbia. This theranostic center will focus on genomic medicine, oncology diagnostics, and personalized healthcare.
“This Joint Declaration of Intent marks a decisive milestone for Swiss Rockets and for the region,” Cmiljanovic stated regarding the Serbia initiative. “Together with our European and Serbian partners, we aim to build a centre that combines cutting-edge science, digital infrastructure, and clinical expertise to deliver real benefits for patients.”
Manufacturing Partnership Accelerates Development
The March 2025 agreement between Rocketvax and Emergent BioSolutions marked a strategic inflection point. Emergent announced a financial investment in Swiss Rockets to support research and infrastructure development. Under the partnership, Emergent will lead U.S. manufacturing and commercialization for four pipeline candidates addressing infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.
Joe Papa, President and CEO of Emergent, characterized the collaboration as addressing significant public health gaps. “We are excited to partner with Rocketvax to accelerate the development of innovative products that address significant public health challenges,” he stated.
The partnership extends beyond manufacturing. Rocketvax signed a letter of intent with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for clinical trials investigating the company’s nasal spray vaccine. This collaboration operates within Project NextGen, a $5 billion federal initiative supporting next-generation vaccine development through public-private partnerships.
Market Positioning and Clinical Trajectory
Rocketvax occupies a distinct position within the vaccine development landscape. While mRNA platforms dominated first-generation COVID-19 responses, concerns about waning immunity and limited transmission blocking have created demand for alternative approaches. Live attenuated vaccines potentially address both limitations through their unique mechanism of action.
The nasal spray delivery method offers practical benefits beyond efficacy. Needle-free administration eliminates injection-related complications while delivering vaccine directly to respiratory tract surfaces. This approach has demonstrated effectiveness with seasonal influenza vaccines used for decades.
Clinical development timelines remain ambitious. With NIH collaboration secured and manufacturing partnerships established, Rocketvax aims to generate human efficacy data demonstrating advantages over authorized vaccines. Success would position the company competitively as healthcare systems seek tools providing broader variant coverage and longer protection duration.
The broader implications extend beyond individual products. Demonstrating commercial viability for live attenuated respiratory vaccines could revitalize interest in this technology class, potentially attracting additional investment to similar platforms. Whether Rocketvax delivers on its scientific promise will become evident as clinical programs advance through regulatory milestones in the coming years.
