About us
We are a Colombian biotechnology company that develops products and services that contributes to Colombia and the region's health sovereignty, positively impacting people's health.
About us
VaxThera S.A.S is our main company located in Medellín, Colombia, and is dedicated to research, develop, and commercialize products and services. To facilitate its business model, it established two subsidiary companies:
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VaxThera Zona Franca: Focused on compounding, finishing, manufacture, and commercialization of products. It is located in Rionegro, Antioquia.
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VaxThera LLC: Located in Madison, Wisconsin, United States, it is dedicated to the research and development of biologics.
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VaxThera S.A.S:
Carrera 48 #32B Sur-139 Piso3,–
30, Envigado, Antioquia -
800 metros norte de la glorieta
aeropuerto JMC, Chachafruto,
Vereda Playa Rica, Rionegro,
Antioquia -
place in Wisconsin,
Estados Unidos
Our History
In 2021, there was a clear need in Colombia and other countries in the region to produce vaccines and biologics locally, in order to respond to future pandemics and address local needs. This is why Seguros SURA made the decision to join forces with Jorge Emilio Osorio and Juan Pablo Hernández, both of whom have extensive experience in the scientific field, particularly in vaccine development and a deep understanding of the country's epidemiology, to create VaxThera and contribute to the health
sovereignty of the region.
January
Selection of the work team begins.
February
Scientific training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for the Research and Development team.
June
Official launch of the company.
September
Creation of VaxThera Zona Franca.
November
Incorporation of VaxThera LLC.
February
Construction of the production plant begins.
April
International (PCT) and Argentina patent application filed to protect UniVax, our proprietary COVID-19 vaccine.
August
- Approval of the Free Trade Zone declaration for the production plant.
- Winners of ANDI's innovation ranking.
August
- We received a favorable opinion from the FDA on the preclinical results of our COVID-19 vaccine, allowing us to move forward with authorization for clinical trials.
- Awarded funding from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation for the development of vaccines against Zika, Chikungunya, and Yellow Fever.
October
Recognition from Innos, Afidro, and Universidad El Bosque for our contribution to the health innovation system in Colombia.
December
Winners of ANDI's Innovación + País competition.
April
Awarded funding from a call launched by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison for the development of a veterinary vaccine against COVID-19.
June
Inauguration of the research headquarters.
December
Launch of our Personalized Immunization Program in partnership with SURA.
April
Arrival of the NtensifyTM system from Quantoom Technologies
We received a one-of-a-kind piece of equipment in Colombia and Latin America, enabling fully automated, cell-free mRNA vaccine production. This technology allows for more efficient manufacturing with higher quality and safety standards.
May
Inauguration of the production plant
We celebrated the completion of the first construction phase of our biologics production plant in Rionegro, Antioquia. 15,000 m² with the capacity to produce more than 100 million vaccine doses per year.
May
Launch of Personalized Prevention Programs (PPP)
We launched VaxThera's first solution: Personalized Prevention Programs, through which, in partnership with various companies, we have protected thousands of people in more than 20 cities across Colombia against severe influenza disease.
June
U.S. Patent granted
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) granted us a patent for a universal vaccine that protects against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and its variants.
February
Agreement signing
We signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen research, development, and production of biologics and other health technologies.
To achieve this, we have defined the following overarching purpose,
accompanied by essential enablers, pillars, and corporate principles:
Overarching Purpose:
To contribute to the health security and quality of life for people in Latin America
We aim for Colombia and the region to have the human, technological and logistical capabilities to protect themselves against possible emerging, re-emerging, and tropical neglected diseases.
Enter hereEnablers:
- Human Talent: We recognize individuals as our differentiating element for developing the organizational capabilities.
- Trusted Relationships: We promote long-term relationships with stakeholders.
- Advocacy: We aim to eliminate indecision and drive actions for people to adopt immunization as a tool that improves public health.
- Technology: We create and develop platforms and processes that generate value for individuals and businesses.
Strategic Pillars:
- Quality: All our processes are based on good practices and ethical principles, ensuring safe and effective products.
- Innovation: We have the ability to adapt to changes in the environment and respond in an agile and creative manner.
- Sustainability: We have social and environmentally sustainable policies for the development of our daily actions.
Corporate Principles:
- Transparency: Clarity and integrity are present in all actions and relationships with our stakeholders.
- Respect: We acknowledge the value of all individuals and accept them as they are.
- Responsibility: We fulfill our commitments, safeguarding the assets of the Company and our stakeholders.
- Equity: We provide equal treatment for all individuals, regardless of their social, economic, racial, sexual, or gender conditions.
Ethics and Corporate Governance System
Our company's purpose is to contribute to the health security and life quality of Latin Americans. To achieve this, we are guided by corporate principles that govern all our actions, both internal and external.
Within our management framework, we have:
Code of Good Governance: is the fundamental standard that provides general guidelines for the Company and its employees, which must be rigorously followed in the trust-based relationships built among its various entities and stakeholders.
Ver PDFCode of Conduct: This serves as a guide for decision-making, directing the expected behavior of our teams in their interactions with various stakeholders. It also aids in identifying situations that may impact corporate ethics and the society to which they belong.
Ver PDFPersonal Data Protection Policy: It defines the rights of the data subjects whose personal data the Company collects, as well as the principles, responsibilities, purposes, channels of communication, and procedures established for the proper processing of such information.
Ver PDFFounders
Jorge Emilio Osorio Benítez.
CEO and Founder of VaxThera
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Master's (MS), Doctor of Science (PhD), and Executive Director and Founder of VaxThera. He has a distinguished career in medical sciences, with experience in vaccinology, epidemiology, antivirals, and disease control. He is currently CEO and co-founder of VaxThera, as well as co-director of the Global Health Institute.
He has led the development of global vaccines and collaborated with international institutions in research and comprehensive health.
Juan Pablo Hernandez Ortiz.
COO and Founder of VaxThera
Mechanical Engineer from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering with emphasis in Chemical Engineering, and a postdoctorate in Chemical and Biological Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
He has over 15 years of experience in molecular engineering and device design for biomedical applications.
He is currently a Professor at the National University of Colombia and has collaborated with the University of Chicago and the University of Wisconsin-Madison in scientific research and development.
Seguros SURA Colombia
Seguros SURA Colombia is a leading company in the insurance sector, with over 80 years of experience in comprehensive risk management and the protection of people, businesses, and assets. It is part of Suramericana S.A., with presence in several Latin American countries, and stands out for its focus on innovative solutions combining insurance, health trends, and financial services.
Through its management model, it promotes the well-being, sustainability, and resilience of its clients. It currently drives digital and analytics strategies to strengthen prevention, support, and the evolution of insurance in Colombia.
Board of Directors
Juan Pablo Hernández COO, VaxThera
With a track record of more than 15 years in molecular engineering, Juan Pablo currently serves as CSO/COO at VaxThera and director of the One Health program at the National University of Colombia and the Genomic One Health Laboratory. Through these roles, he has solidified his commitment to research and the promotion of public health from an integral perspective. Additionally, he is professor in the Department of Materials and Nanotechnology at the National University of Colombia.
Juan David Escobar Franco Presidente, Seguros Sura Colombia
Since 2016, Juan David has served as the President of Seguros SURA Colombia. Under his leadership, the company has diversified its portfolio of solutions and transformed its operational model to position itself as a trend and risk manager, develop new markets in the country, and maintain the largest market share in the national insurance industry. Additionally, he is a member of the Board of Directors of Bancolombia and the Governing Council of the Folkloric Ballet of Antioquia.
Juana Francisca Llano Presidente, Suramericana
She joined SURA over 20 years ago after completing her studies in Law and Political Science. Until 2020, she led the Insurance Vice-presidency of Suramericana, overseeing the acquisition of RSA's operations in Latin America, which resulted in the creation of the corporate office. In April 2020, amid the global pandemic, she assumed the leadership of Suramericana, the Sura Insurance corporate.
Fil Randazzo Director general, Leverage Science
Scientist with over 30 years of experience leading science and technology projects from idea to impact. He is currently Senior Vice President of Science, Impact, and Special Initiatives at the Science and Technology Fund based in Seattle. He previously served as Director of Leverage Science, LLC, Deputy Director at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Associate Director at Chiron Corporation. Fil earned his PhD in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from Indiana University in Bloomington.
Sue Ann Clemens Professor
Globally recognized leader in vaccinology and global health, with over 25 years of experience and contributions to more than 20 life-saving vaccines, including the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. She is currently a professor at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Siena, and a Senior Advisor at the Gates Foundation.
Executive Team
Jorge Emilio Osorio Benítez CEO and Founder of VaxThera
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Master's and Doctor of Science (PhD), and Executive Director and Founder of VaxThera. He has a distinguished career in medical sciences, with experience in vaccinology, epidemiology, antivirals, and disease control. He is currently CEO and co-founder of VaxThera, as well as co-director of the Global Health Institute.
He has led the development of global vaccines and collaborated with international institutions in research and comprehensive health.
Juan Pablo Hernandez Ortiz COO and Founder of VaxThera
Mechanical Engineer from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering with emphasis in Chemical Engineering, and a postdoctorate in Chemical and Biological Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
He has over 15 years of experience in molecular engineering and device design for biomedical applications.
He is currently a Professor at the National University of Colombia and has collaborated with the University of Chicago and the University of Wisconsin-Madison in scientific research and development.
Luz Marina Velásquez Human Resources Vicepresident
Social Communicator – Journalist from the University of Antioquia, with a specialization in Public Management from the Pontifical Bolivarian University. She worked for 10 years in the academic sector on projects associated with Communication for Development and Scientific Dissemination.
She is currently a member of the boards of directors of ACRIP Region Centro and the International Organization of Human Capital Executives – DCH, Colombia chapter.
Daniela Lopera Hernández Legal Affairs Director
Lawyer from EAFIT University in Medellín, with postgraduate studies in Commercial Law from the University of Rosario and in Financial Law from the Pontifical Javeriana University in Bogotá. Since 2021, she has served as Director of Legal Affairs at VaxThera.
She has experience in corporate, commercial, and contractual law, leading legal matters and providing comprehensive support to the organization.
Juan Fernando Noreña Plant Director
Biologist from the University of Antioquia, with studies focused on microbiology, genetics, plant taxonomy, ecology, and limnology. He has over 15 years of experience leading teams in production, research, and development in pharmaceutical companies in the United States, especially in manufacturing, quality control, filtration, sterilization, and aseptic processes under cGMP standards.
In Colombia, he has participated in sediment characterization studies and aquatic environment analysis. His work integrates applied science with impact on health and the environment.
Natalia Muñoz Durango Special Projects Director
Microbiologist from the University of Antioquia, with a master's degree in biomedical sciences from the same institution and a PhD from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. Her work focuses on the immunological study of the host-pathogen interaction and how hormones modulate the immune response.
She has over 15 years of experience in research, animal model development, and vaccine evaluation, with participation in clinical trials and more than 20 scientific publications in international journals. She currently leads the Special Projects area at VaxThera.
Leonor Hidalgo Ciro Trusted Relationships and Sustainability Director
Lawyer from the University of Antioquia with a master's degree in Political Studies from the National University of Colombia. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Mass Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With over 16 years of experience designing, leading, and executing innovation projects in Colombia, she has extensive knowledge of the national science, technology, and innovation system.
Daniel Molina CFO
Professional in Business Administration and Industrial Engineering from the Escuela de Ingeniería de Antioquia. He holds a Master of Science in Engineering and Management from the Politecnico di Torino, and a Master's in Banking and Finance (with distinction) from Monash University.
He has over ten years of experience in financial planning and risk management, including financial analysis, investment valuation, and technical and financial risk management. Daniel is proficient in several languages, including English, German, Italian, French, and basic Portuguese.
Javier Colorado Commercial Director
Surgeon with experience in health services management, graduated from Universidad CES and with a Health Audit certification from the same institution. He is currently pursuing a Master's in Public Health and has a background in risk management, care model implementation, and health program direction focused on population well-being.
He has led strategies in insurance, health promotion and prevention, outpatient services, and vector control. He currently serves as Commercial Director at VaxThera.
Karine Posada España Medical Director
Physician from the University of Antioquia, with a master's degree in Epidemiology and a specialization in Social Protection Management from Universidad CES. With experience in research, leadership, and management, she has contributed to the development of solutions in population health, palliative care, telemedicine, and technological innovation.
She has worked in clinical settings and insurance companies, leading health promotion, prevention, and access programs. She currently serves as Medical Leader at VaxThera, leading clinical studies and evidence generation to strengthen health solutions.
Erwin Camacho Research and Development Coordinator
Biologist with an emphasis in Biotechnology and a master's degree in Biology from the University of Sucre, along with doctoral training in Tropical Medicine at the University of Cartagena.
His research experience includes the phylogenomic characterization of high-impact viral pathogens, the implementation of novel strategies for arbovirus surveillance, and the development of vaccine candidates on multiple platforms such as mRNA and viral vectors.