MICHIGAN RISE INVESTS IN ESPEROVAX

Biotech Company developing Novel Oral mRNA–Based vaccines and biotherapeutics

APRIL 29, 2021

East Lansing, MI – Michigan Rise is pleased to formally introduce Esperovax, developer of the Egress RD™ Oral Biologics platform, to its growing portfolio.

The Plymouth, Michigan-based company has developed a novel, mRNA-based oral vaccine platform that will enable large scale production and distribution of shelf stable vaccines and biological therapeutics. Their platform enables prevention and treatment of some of the world’s deadliest diseases, including COVID-19, at a fraction of the cost of current injection-based therapies.

“We are grateful to Michigan Rise for recognizing the importance of our work,” said David O’Hagan, Ph.D., Esperovax Founder, President and CEO. “It will play a role in our ability to provide rapid, painless, and inexpensive biological medicines that make a significant impact on global health.”

Esperovax’s Egress RD™ Oral Biologics platform utilizes common baker’s yeast as a novel mRNA vaccine delivery technology. This technology means billions of doses could potentially be manufactured in less than a month. This oral vaccine will not require costly purification processes, cold storage, or delivery devices such as syringes. Each dose can be economically produced and self-administered via pill or edibles.

“We are pleased to partner with Esperovax with value-added capital to help the company realize its mission, the importance of which has been exacerbated by the current global pandemic,” said Prem Bodagala, Director at Michigan Rise.

About Esperovax:

Based in Plymouth, Michigan at the Michigan Life Sciences & Innovation Center, Esperovax is preparing to fight the world’s most devastating diseases through the innovative power of oral vaccines. To learn more, visit:  Esperovax.com.

About Michigan Rise:

Michigan Rise is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Michigan State University Foundation. Founded in 2020, Michigan Rise invests in early-stage high tech businesses located in Michigan. For more information on Michigan Rise visit www.michiganrise.com

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC):

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy.