Micron Biomedical Honored with Georgia Life Sciences' Prestigious Phoenix Award for Transformative Research

An active CDC clinical trial of Micron’s rotavirus vaccine and Lancet-published research on Micron’s self-administered influenza vaccine, both conducted at Emory University, are highlighted in the recognition for strengthening Georgia's leadership in life sciences innovation

ATLANTA, Aug. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Micron Biomedical, a clinical-stage life science company developing next-generation needle-free, thermostable vaccines and therapeutics, today announced that it has been named a recipient of the 2026 Phoenix Award, one of Georgia Life Sciences' highest honors, recognizing the company's groundbreaking collaborations with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Emory University with the potential to expand access to lifesaving medicines around the world.

The Phoenix Award recognizes exceptional collaborations between government, academia and industry that accelerate scientific discovery, translate research into real-world healthcare solutions, and strengthen Georgia's position as a global leader in life sciences innovation.

The award spotlights the first CDC-sponsored vaccine clinical trial involving dissolvable microarray "patch" technology for a novel rotavirus vaccine. The study builds upon earlier research, published in the Lancet, that showed Micron Biomedical’s self-administrated influenza vaccines achieved better than or equal to efficacy over intramuscular injection. Conducted at Emory University in Atlanta, both studies are aimed at significantly advancing access to life-saving vaccines.

“Georgia is a unique epicenter for purpose-driven innovation, bringing together world-class academic institutions, biotechnology and engineering talent, global health leaders, government partners and an infrastructure that allows scientific breakthroughs to be discovered and translated into real-world impact,” said Steven Damon, Chief Executive Officer of Micron Biomedical. “We are proud to be part of a community that is so united around a common purpose: making lifesaving and life-changing vaccines and therapeutics accessible. We thank Georgia Life Sciences for recognizing Micron Biomedical with the prestigious Phoenix award and for its ongoing work to establish Georgia as the premier manufacturing and innovation hub for biotechnology and medical technology.”

Micron's dissolvable microarray technology is designed to replace conventional needle-and-syringe administration with a painless, needle-free alternative that can simplify administration while reducing or eliminating cold-chain requirements, improving safety, and expanding access to vaccines and therapeutics worldwide. Through its collaboration with Emory University, Micron continues to generate clinical evidence supporting the technology's potential across multiple vaccine applications.

The recognition comes as Micron Biomedical continues to advance its proprietary dissolvable microarray pipeline of vaccines and therapeutics toward commercialization, supported by its recently opened commercial-scale manufacturing facility in Georgia and a growing portfolio of clinical programs, strategic partnerships, and government collaborations.

“Micron Biomedical represents the innovation and collaboration driving Georgia’s life sciences industry forward, bringing industry, world-class research and public health expertise together to advance breakthrough science in a world-class manufacturing facility that has transformative impacts on human health,” said Maria Thacker Goethe, MPH, President & CEO, Georgia Life Sciences. “We are thrilled to name Micron Biomedical the 2026 Golden Helix Phoenix Award recipient and congratulate the team on its success advancing life-changing biotech innovations in the thriving life science ecosystem right here in Georgia.”

Micron Biomedical CEO, Steven Damon, and co-founder and Executive Vice President, Sebastien Henry, accepted the Phoenix Award during the Georgia Life Sciences Summit in Atlanta, celebrating collaborations that exemplify innovation, resilience, and leadership in advancing Georgia's life sciences ecosystem.

About Micron Biomedical
Micron Biomedical is the leader in dissolvable microarray-based, drug and vaccine administration technology. Micron Biomedical is a clinical-stage life science company on a rapid path to commercializing its proprietary dissolvable, microarray technology. Micron’s technology is designed to improve access and achieve better health outcomes globally through injection-free, painless, and simple and/or self-administration of drugs and vaccines, and by eliminating or reducing the need for cold chain transport and storage, enhancing safety and efficacy, and improving patient compliance. Micron partners with and/or receives funding from private and public pharmaceutical and biotech companies, the Gates Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PATH, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and the Georgia Research Alliance. For more information visit www.micronbiomedical.com

Media Inquiries

Shira Derasmo
Cuttlefish Communications
+1 917 280 2497
pr@micronbiomedical.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b5949ed9-e88f-4adc-a32e-cdf441a6d698

Transformative research on next-generation needle-free vaccines and therapeutics recognized in Georgia

At an event honoring life science innovation in Georgia, an active CDC clinical trial of Micron Biomedical’s rotavirus vaccine and Lancet-published research on Micron Biomedical’s self-administered influenza vaccine, both conducted at Emory University, were highlighted. The 2026 Phoenix Award is one of the top honors at the Georgia Life Sciences annual Golden Helix Awards recognizing exceptional collaborations between government, academia and industry. Pictured accepting the award on behalf of Micron Biomedical is Sebastien Henry, Co-Founder and Head of Technical Operations (center). Presenting the award (left) is Kendall Brantley, Project Coordinator, Economic Development at the Metro Atlanta Chamber and (right) Maria Thacker Goethe, MPH, President & CEO, Georgia Life Sciences.