CEO statement
This will be my final statement as acting CEO before our new CEO Ann Gidner assumes her new role on May 9. I am pleased that I will return to focusing fully on my CFO role having overseen a productive Quarter of renewed focus that I believe will serve as a basis for strong business development.
During the Quarter myself, together with Development Director Anna Lönn, an engaged Chairman and proactive Board member have worked intensively on reviewing the company’s business development and strategic focus. On March 3 we released an updated reappraisal of our strategic goals reaffirming the importance of licensing rights in our business model, and our commitment to generating further proof-of-concept data, and in particular mRNA / LNP data.
In the week leading up to this Q1 Report we shared with our investors additional details on our strategic and operational initiatives, and how they constitute a strong base for future growth. These focus areas are:
- A STRENGTHENED FOCUS ON THREE VACCINE PLATFORMS
During 2022 – 2023 Ziccum will focus on three key vaccine platforms: the Viral Vector platform using Adenovirus, the subunit vaccine (adjuvanted) platform and the mRNA/LNP vaccine platform. mRNA/LNP is an area we value very high. The global trend and market dynamics in this specific field is also very strong.
- EXPANDED TOOLS, LAB FACILITIES AND mRNA/LNP CAPABILITIES
Strategic investments include a new cell lab that will enable in vitro studies of key biological properties and deliver specific advantages in the development of mRNA/LNP. We have also completed the investment and installation of the microfluidics system, ‘Ignite’ NanoAssemblr, that will enable us to generate our own mRNA/LNP materials at R&D scale.
- TARGETED TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENTS
To underpin Ziccum’s new strategic focus, key technology development programs have been selected for the company’s flagship drying system (LaminarPace or LAPA) as it progresses towards eventual GMP manufacturing status. Some are ongoing, some have been recently completed. These technology development programs include for instance a new powder collector solution, introduction of nitrogen (N2) as drying gas, nebulizer and membrane development.
These key priority areas and a committed and engaged organization will lead the way in LaminarPace’s development towards commercial partnerships and eventual GMP industrial manufacturing.
In conclusion – ‘renewed focus’ is the key term that I want to emphasis. I believe that with the new more focused strategies and targets developed in this Quarter, and with the imminent arrival of our reputable CEO Ann Gidner, we are now in a strong position to move decisively forwards towards creating new partnerships and value for ourselves, our clients and our investors.
Lund April 28 2022,
Frida Hjelmberg Acting CEO