Vaxxas: 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Vaxxas is an innovative biotechnology company revolutionizing vaccine delivery with its cutting-edge needle-free technology. Founded in 2011 as a University of Queensland spinout, the company has developed the High-Density Microarray Patch (HD-MAP), a vaccine delivery platform that uses thousands of microscopic projections to administer vaccines through the skin quickly and painlessly. This technology seeks to improve vaccine efficacy, reduce reliance on cold-chain storage, and simplify administration—potentially allowing self-vaccination at home. As infectious diseases continue to pose global health challenges, Vaxxas’s approach could transform vaccination campaigns worldwide. The following points provide an in-depth look into the company, its technology, development milestones, and future prospects.

1. Origin and Founding of Vaxxas

Vaxxas originated from research at The University of Queensland and was established in 2011 by UniQuest, the university’s commercialization arm. The company's foundational technology was initially developed in academic research labs before evolving into a commercial enterprise. Over time, Vaxxas attracted venture capital funding and strategic partnerships to accelerate the development and scaling of its vaccine delivery platform. With Brisbane, Australia, as its headquarters, Vaxxas has grown from a startup into a clinical-stage biotechnology company with global aspirations in the vaccine delivery market.

2. Breakthrough HD-MAP Technology

The core of Vaxxas’s innovation is the High-Density Microarray Patch (HD-MAP), which consists of thousands of tiny microprojections that are coated with a dried vaccine formulation. When applied briefly to the skin using a proprietary applicator, these microprojections penetrate the outer layers to deliver the vaccine directly to the abundant immune cells immediately below the skin surface. This method is needle-free, generally painless, and can elicit strong immune responses with substantially lower doses of vaccine compared to traditional needle-and-syringe methods.

3. Clinical Development and Studies

Vaxxas has conducted several human clinical trials, including large-scale Phase I studies involving over 500 participants, demonstrating safety, tolerability, and robust immune responses. For example, in a major 258-participant trial, Vaxxas tested delivery of an avian influenza (H7N9) vaccine with both adjuvanted and adjuvant-free formulations using HD-MAP to evaluate immune efficacy compared to needle injection. Findings suggest that HD-MAP can achieve comparable or even superior immune responses using less vaccine and facilitate potential pandemic readiness through easier administration and distribution.

4. Advantages of Needle-Free Vaccine Delivery

The HD-MAP technology offers several critical advantages over traditional vaccination approaches:

Needle-free administration improves user acceptability and reduces needle-phobia.
Reduced or eliminated cold-chain storage requirements due to the thermostability of dried vaccine coatings.
Potential for self- or home-administration, easing pressure on healthcare infrastructure.
Lower vaccine dosing needs, which can expand global vaccine supply capacity.
Elimination of needle-stick injuries and associated biohazard waste. These factors enhance vaccine accessibility, especially in low-resource and remote settings.

5. Manufacturing and Scale-Up Efforts

To support late-stage clinical trials and eventual commercialization, Vaxxas opened a state-of-the-art biomedical manufacturing facility in Brisbane in mid-2023. This site is equipped for scalable, semi-automated production of HD-MAP vaccine patches designed for clinical study requirements and first commercial shipments. The company aims to establish supply chains that streamline manufacturing, packaging, and distribution processes, critical to meeting global vaccine demands efficiently.

6. Funding and Investment Milestones

Vaxxas has raised over $300 million in funding since its inception, including a landmark near $90 million funding round in 2025. This latest round combined $49.22 million in Series D equity and $40 million in debt facilities, led by SPRIM Global Investments and supported by investors such as LGT Crestone, OneVentures, and Brandon Capital-Hostplus. This capital injection aims to accelerate the company’s path to market and enhance manufacturing capabilities while supporting continued clinical development.

7. Partnerships and Collaborations

The company partners with major public health organizations, global biotech investors, and governments. Notably, Vaxxas collaborates with the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), which funds critical clinical trials for pandemic vaccines using HD-MAP technology. Vaxxas also works closely with The University of Queensland’s BASE facility for mRNA vaccine development, underscoring its integrated approach combining vaccine research with novel delivery systems.

8. Strategic Leadership and Company Evolution

David Hoey led Vaxxas as CEO for 14 years, overseeing its evolution from a university spinout to a globally recognized biotech innovator. In 2025, Hoey transitioned to a strategic advisory role as the company prepared for commercialization and expanded operational capabilities. The board appointed Sarah Meibusch, a partner at OneVentures, as Chair, reflecting the company’s transition toward market readiness and growth in global impact.

9. Impact on Future Vaccination Campaigns

HD-MAP technology has the potential to radically improve vaccination coverage and response times, especially in outbreaks or pandemics. By reducing reliance on cold-chain logistics and skilled healthcare workers, vaccines using HD-MAP can reach underserved populations faster. Market research shows a strong consumer preference for needle-free patches, which could increase vaccine acceptance and uptake. The platform also holds promise for delivering vaccines against multiple infectious diseases and eventually oncology targets.

10. Challenges and Prospects Ahead

Despite promising progress, Vaxxas faces challenges including gaining regulatory approval, scaling manufacturing to commercial volumes, and navigating competitive vaccine markets. Current vaccines delivered via HD-MAP remain investigational and are not yet commercially available. However, sustained funding, successful late-stage trials, and strategic global partnerships position Vaxxas well for future success. If realized, this technology could redefine vaccine delivery standards, making immunization safer, more efficient, and more accessible worldwide.

Conclusion

Vaxxas stands at the forefront of vaccine delivery innovation with its High-Density Microarray Patch technology. By offering a needle-free, stable, and efficient alternative to traditional injections, Vaxxas aims to tackle longstanding challenges in vaccination—including storage, administration, and acceptance. Backed by substantial funding, successful clinical data, and strong industry partnerships, the company is poised to bring this transformative technology closer to global markets. As Vaxxas progresses toward commercialization, it prompts the question: could vaccine patches become the new standard, reshaping public health and pandemic preparedness in the years to come?