Woburn, MA Biotechnology startup Vaxess Technologies held a grand opening for its brand new 3,600 s/f GMP manufacturing facility at Cummings Park. An expansion to 10,000 s/f is already underway. Based in Cambridge, Vaxess is developing a novel technology for vaccine delivery via a sustained-release intradermal microneedle patch. In the future, the technology could result in self-administered vaccines and boosters delivered to one’s door, without the need for refrigeration. The firm is backed by National Institute of Health (NIH), Gates Foundation, and venture capital.

Cummings Properties business development director Al Diamond worked with Paul Delaney and John Coakley of Cresa on the initial lease and expansion.

“Vaxess joins more than 100 biotech companies in this fast-growing life science cluster, many of which are also innovating in the field of vaccine development and delivery,” said Eric Anderson, president of Cummings Properties. “These companies, ranging from startups to established pharmaceutical manufacturers, are on the cutting edge of scientific discovery and advancement.”

Vaxess expects to begin a Phase I proof-of-concept trial using seasonal flu and COVID-19 antigens in the first half of 2022.

“After years of development, the company is thrilled to establish GMP manufacturing capabilities in Massachusetts for both our lead MIMIX-Flu vaccine program as well as a host of other pipeline products to follow,” said Vaxess CEO Michael Schrader.

The grand opening celebration drew several public officials and life sciences industry leaders.

“I want to congratulate the Vaxess team on their latest expansion to Woburn,” said Massachusetts Life Sciences Center president and CEO Kenn Turner. “Since the Life Science Center’s initial investment in Vaxess, the company has exemplified the type of growth trajectory we aim to accelerate here in the Commonwealth. We will continue to lean in, and support companies seeking to create jobs and expand their footprints regionally, particularly in the manufacturing space.”

Other guests for the ribbon-cutting and facility tour included Massachusetts Housing and Economic Development secretary Mike Kennealy, Massachusetts Biotechnology Council president Joe Boncore, Woburn representative Richard Haggerty, State senator Cindy Friedman, and Woburn mayor Scott Galvin.