Australian biotechnology company Vaxxas has appointed former MSD Global Vaccines President David Peacock as Chief Executive Officer.
The announcement marks an inflection point for Vaxxas as it prepares to scale the deployment of its proprietary high-density microarray patch (HD‑MAP) vaccination platform.
Peacock brings more than 25 years of global leadership in vaccines and pharmaceuticals, including serving as President of MSD Global Vaccines and MSD Asia Pacific. His career spans senior commercial, operational, and financial positions across Asia, Europe, Japan, and the United States. He has also served on influential boards and industry bodies such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the US‑ASEAN Business Council, and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.
Peacock joins Vaxxas at a moment when the company’s HD-MAP technology is moving beyond proof-of-concept and into the realm of global public health and commercial opportunity.
“David’s appointment marks a clear inflection point for Vaxxas as we move from clinical validation towards commercial execution,” said Vaxxas Chair Sarah Meibusch. “He brings unmatched global vaccine commercialisation experience at precisely the moment the HD-MAP technology is transitioning from proof-of-concept to a scalable delivery platform with the potential to materially improve how vaccines are manufactured, distributed and administered worldwide.”
Developed to overcome longstanding limitations in vaccine delivery, the HD-MAP platform offers a needle-free, room–temperature–stable patch that simplifies administration and improves
global access. Meibusch noted that the technology offers significant value to global pharmaceutical partners by enabling differentiated self-delivery formats, improving dose efficiency, reducing cold-chain dependency, and extending vaccine lifecycles.
“David’s leadership positions Vaxxas to engage at scale with governments and multinational vaccine companies as a long-term strategic partner,” she added.
Peacock said he was energised by the opportunity to help shape a new future for vaccine access and delivery.
“Over the course of my career, I have seen first-hand the limitations of conventional vaccine delivery technologies in both developed and developing healthcare systems,” said Peacock. “I believe Vaxxas’ HD-MAP technology has the potential to fundamentally reshape vaccine access, distribution, and administration.”
“Vaxxas is now at a pivotal stage, with clinical validation, licensed manufacturing capability and a platform that can integrate with existing and future vaccine programs. I am excited to lead the company as we partner with pharmaceutical companies, research organisations and governments to translate this technology for global public health and commercial impact.”
Peacock will also join the Vaxxas Board as Executive Director.
His appointment follows a series of strategic steps as Vaxxas positions itself for scaled market entry. In late 2025, the company secured a manufacturing licence from Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for its HD‑MAP products. The approval came after the installation of Vaxxas’ first robotic aseptic manufacturing lines at its Brisbane facility, enabling scalable, GMP-compliant production for both clinical and commercial programs.
Peacock’s arrival adds further weight to Vaxxas' growing leadership bench. Recent additions include Brent MacGregor, CEO of Medical Developments International and a veteran of the global vaccines sector with senior leadership roles at CSL Seqirus, Novartis Vaccines, and Sanofi Pasteur. He is joined on the board by Michael Shleifer, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of SPRIM Global Investments, which anchored Vaxxas’ $90 million capital raise in 2025. Shleifer joins as Board Observer.
“Together, these appointments provide Vaxxas significant depth in global vaccine commercialisation, manufacturing, and partnership expertise,” said Meibusch. “This strengthens Vaxxas’ ability to work credibly with multinational pharmaceutical companies and governments as the HD-MAP technology advances toward scaled manufacture and broader deployment.”