- Transaction to result in NASDAQ-listed company focused on developing novel RNA medicines and technologies
- Arcturus brings a proprietary and diverse pipeline with seven programs, four of which are funded by pharmaceutical and strategic partners
- Plan to accelerate development of internal programs targeting rare diseases
- Combined company well-capitalized with approximately $40 million in cash projected at closing, which is expected to fund the company through multiple value creation milestones and into early clinical development
- Conference call and webcast to be held on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 8:30 AM EDT
TEL AVIV, Israel, and SAN DIEGO, CA, USA I September 27, 2017 I Alcobra Ltd. (NASDAQ:ADHD) and Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company developing novel RNA medicines, today announced the signing of a definitive agreement to merge the two companies in an all-stock transaction. The transaction will result in a combined company focused on developing novel RNA medicines in therapeutic areas including infectious disease, cystic fibrosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and rare liver diseases.
Arcturus has developed proprietary technology platforms incorporating Unlocked Nucleomonomer Agent (UNA) Oligomer chemistry and lipid-mediated nanoparticle (LUNAR™) nucleic acid delivery systems. The UNA Oligomer platform incorporates improvements to the chemical structure of RNA to generate pharmaceutical and therapeutic benefits. The LUNAR delivery system is optimized for high RNA encapsulation efficiency, which improves manufacturing and cost-of-goods and enables particle size control to potentially improve the targeting of clinically important cells and tissues, including liver hepatocytes, liver stellate cells, myocytes and lung cells.
Arcturus is applying these technologies to develop RNA medicines, including under collaborations with Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc., Takeda Pharmaceutical Inc. and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. In addition, over the next two years, Arcturus plans to advance at least one internal program into clinical testing.
“In contrast to many traditional small molecule and biologic therapeutics, RNA medicines have the potential to cure diseases by addressing the underlying genetic cause rather than treating the symptoms,” said Stuart Collinson, Ph.D., Executive Chairman of Arcturus. “Arcturus’s technology combines delivery and RNA chemistry to generate innovative medicines with the potential to transform the lives of patients with serious diseases.”
“Our goal is to establish Arcturus as a leading RNA medicines company and this merger will enable us to accelerate the development of our RNA medicines,” said Joseph Payne, President and CEO of Arcturus. “We believe our proprietary chemistry and drug delivery platforms represent significant advancements in the development of RNA medicines that we and our partners are applying to the treatment of rare and high-incidence diseases where we can have a distinct medical and commercial advantage. In addition to our existing collaborations and internal proprietary programs, we plan to pursue additional strategic partnerships to support other medical applications of our technology.”
David Baker, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Alcobra, added: “Following an extensive review of strategic alternatives, we concluded that the transaction with Arcturus is in the best interest of Alcobra’s shareholders because it will enable us to participate in the long-term success of an emerging leader in the exciting field of RNA medicines. Arcturus has an impressive RNA platform, validated partnerships with leading biopharmaceutical companies and promising proprietary rare disease programs. We believe its product candidates have great potential to treat multiple diseases and address the unmet needs of many patients.”
About the Proposed Transaction
Under the terms of the merger agreement, the holders of Arcturus outstanding capital stock immediately prior to the merger will receive ordinary shares of Alcobra in the merger. On a pro forma and fully-diluted basis for the combined company, Alcobra shareholders are expected to own approximately 40% and Arcturus shareholders are expected to own approximately 60% of the combined company, subject to certain adjustments based on net cash of the two companies at closing. The conversion ratio for the transaction is based on a valuation of Alcobra of $46.7 million, which includes approximately $35 million of expected Alcobra cash at the time of closing.
The proposed merger has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies. The proposed merger is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2017, subject to the approval of the transaction by the shareholders of both companies, and other customary closing conditions.
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc., acted as exclusive financial advisor and Zysman, Aharoni, Gayer and Co. (ZAG/S&W), New York and Tel Aviv offices, acted as legal advisors to Alcobra. Cooley LLP and Meitar Liquornik Geva Leshem Tal acted as legal advisors to Arcturus. Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. is serving as legal advisor to Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc.
Management and Organization
Joseph E. Payne is expected to serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the combined company, with Pad Chivukula, Ph.D., serving as Chief Scientific Officer and Chief Operating Officer, and Stuart Collinson, Ph.D., serving as the Executive Chairman. The board of directors of the combined company will be comprised of seven members, including three members to be designated by Alcobra and four members to be designated by Arcturus.
If the transaction is consummated, Alcobra’s name will be changed to Arcturus Therapeutics, Ltd., and Alcobra intends to apply to change its ticker symbol to ARCT on NASDAQ. Upon completion of the merger, the corporate headquarters will be in San Diego, California and the company will remain domiciled in Israel.
Conference Call and Webcast
The companies will host a conference call and live webcast with slides to discuss the proposed transaction as well as Arcturus’ platforms and pipeline assets on Thursday September 28, 2017 at 8:30 AM EDT. The live webcast can be accessed on the News & Events page of Alcobra’s website (www.alcobra-pharma.com) or by dialing 877-548-7905 (U.S.) or 719-457-2647 using the conference ID number 8288630. The webcast will be archived on the Alcobra website for at least 30 days.
About Alcobra Ltd.
Alcobra Ltd. is an emerging pharmaceutical company that has been focused on the development and commercialization of new medications for CNS disorders including ADHD and Fragile X Syndrome. In January 2017, Alcobra suspended a substantial portion of its research and development activities relating to its lead investigational product candidate MDX and has been pursuing strategic alternatives.
For more information, please visit the company’s website, www.alcobra-pharma.com, the content of which is not incorporated herein by reference.
About Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc.
Founded in 2013 and based in San Diego, Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc. is an RNA medicines company with enabling technologies — UNA Oligomer chemistry and LUNAR nanoparticle delivery. Arcturus’s versatile RNA therapeutics platforms can be applied toward multiple types of RNA medicines including small interfering RNA, messenger RNA, antisense RNA, microRNA and gene editing therapeutics. The company owns LUNAR nanoparticle delivery and Unlocked Nucleomonomer Agent (UNA) technology including UNA Oligomers, which are covered by its patent portfolio (>110 patents and patent applications, issued in the U.S., Europe, Japan, China and other countries). Arcturus’ proprietary UNA technology can be used to target individual genes in the human genome, as well as viral genes, and other species for therapeutic purposes. The company’s commitment to the development of novel RNA therapeutics has led to partnerships with Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc.,Takeda Pharmaceutical Inc., and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. For more information, visit www.ArcturusRx.com, the content of which is not incorporated herein by reference.
SOURCE: Arcturus Therapeutics
Post Views: 35
- Transaction to result in NASDAQ-listed company focused on developing novel RNA medicines and technologies
- Arcturus brings a proprietary and diverse pipeline with seven programs, four of which are funded by pharmaceutical and strategic partners
- Plan to accelerate development of internal programs targeting rare diseases
- Combined company well-capitalized with approximately $40 million in cash projected at closing, which is expected to fund the company through multiple value creation milestones and into early clinical development
- Conference call and webcast to be held on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 8:30 AM EDT
TEL AVIV, Israel, and SAN DIEGO, CA, USA I September 27, 2017 I Alcobra Ltd. (NASDAQ:ADHD) and Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company developing novel RNA medicines, today announced the signing of a definitive agreement to merge the two companies in an all-stock transaction. The transaction will result in a combined company focused on developing novel RNA medicines in therapeutic areas including infectious disease, cystic fibrosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and rare liver diseases.
Arcturus has developed proprietary technology platforms incorporating Unlocked Nucleomonomer Agent (UNA) Oligomer chemistry and lipid-mediated nanoparticle (LUNAR™) nucleic acid delivery systems. The UNA Oligomer platform incorporates improvements to the chemical structure of RNA to generate pharmaceutical and therapeutic benefits. The LUNAR delivery system is optimized for high RNA encapsulation efficiency, which improves manufacturing and cost-of-goods and enables particle size control to potentially improve the targeting of clinically important cells and tissues, including liver hepatocytes, liver stellate cells, myocytes and lung cells.
Arcturus is applying these technologies to develop RNA medicines, including under collaborations with Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc., Takeda Pharmaceutical Inc. and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. In addition, over the next two years, Arcturus plans to advance at least one internal program into clinical testing.
“In contrast to many traditional small molecule and biologic therapeutics, RNA medicines have the potential to cure diseases by addressing the underlying genetic cause rather than treating the symptoms,” said Stuart Collinson, Ph.D., Executive Chairman of Arcturus. “Arcturus’s technology combines delivery and RNA chemistry to generate innovative medicines with the potential to transform the lives of patients with serious diseases.”
“Our goal is to establish Arcturus as a leading RNA medicines company and this merger will enable us to accelerate the development of our RNA medicines,” said Joseph Payne, President and CEO of Arcturus. “We believe our proprietary chemistry and drug delivery platforms represent significant advancements in the development of RNA medicines that we and our partners are applying to the treatment of rare and high-incidence diseases where we can have a distinct medical and commercial advantage. In addition to our existing collaborations and internal proprietary programs, we plan to pursue additional strategic partnerships to support other medical applications of our technology.”
David Baker, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Alcobra, added: “Following an extensive review of strategic alternatives, we concluded that the transaction with Arcturus is in the best interest of Alcobra’s shareholders because it will enable us to participate in the long-term success of an emerging leader in the exciting field of RNA medicines. Arcturus has an impressive RNA platform, validated partnerships with leading biopharmaceutical companies and promising proprietary rare disease programs. We believe its product candidates have great potential to treat multiple diseases and address the unmet needs of many patients.”
About the Proposed Transaction
Under the terms of the merger agreement, the holders of Arcturus outstanding capital stock immediately prior to the merger will receive ordinary shares of Alcobra in the merger. On a pro forma and fully-diluted basis for the combined company, Alcobra shareholders are expected to own approximately 40% and Arcturus shareholders are expected to own approximately 60% of the combined company, subject to certain adjustments based on net cash of the two companies at closing. The conversion ratio for the transaction is based on a valuation of Alcobra of $46.7 million, which includes approximately $35 million of expected Alcobra cash at the time of closing.
The proposed merger has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies. The proposed merger is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2017, subject to the approval of the transaction by the shareholders of both companies, and other customary closing conditions.
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc., acted as exclusive financial advisor and Zysman, Aharoni, Gayer and Co. (ZAG/S&W), New York and Tel Aviv offices, acted as legal advisors to Alcobra. Cooley LLP and Meitar Liquornik Geva Leshem Tal acted as legal advisors to Arcturus. Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. is serving as legal advisor to Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc.
Management and Organization
Joseph E. Payne is expected to serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the combined company, with Pad Chivukula, Ph.D., serving as Chief Scientific Officer and Chief Operating Officer, and Stuart Collinson, Ph.D., serving as the Executive Chairman. The board of directors of the combined company will be comprised of seven members, including three members to be designated by Alcobra and four members to be designated by Arcturus.
If the transaction is consummated, Alcobra’s name will be changed to Arcturus Therapeutics, Ltd., and Alcobra intends to apply to change its ticker symbol to ARCT on NASDAQ. Upon completion of the merger, the corporate headquarters will be in San Diego, California and the company will remain domiciled in Israel.
Conference Call and Webcast
The companies will host a conference call and live webcast with slides to discuss the proposed transaction as well as Arcturus’ platforms and pipeline assets on Thursday September 28, 2017 at 8:30 AM EDT. The live webcast can be accessed on the News & Events page of Alcobra’s website (www.alcobra-pharma.com) or by dialing 877-548-7905 (U.S.) or 719-457-2647 using the conference ID number 8288630. The webcast will be archived on the Alcobra website for at least 30 days.
About Alcobra Ltd.
Alcobra Ltd. is an emerging pharmaceutical company that has been focused on the development and commercialization of new medications for CNS disorders including ADHD and Fragile X Syndrome. In January 2017, Alcobra suspended a substantial portion of its research and development activities relating to its lead investigational product candidate MDX and has been pursuing strategic alternatives.
For more information, please visit the company’s website, www.alcobra-pharma.com, the content of which is not incorporated herein by reference.
About Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc.
Founded in 2013 and based in San Diego, Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc. is an RNA medicines company with enabling technologies — UNA Oligomer chemistry and LUNAR nanoparticle delivery. Arcturus’s versatile RNA therapeutics platforms can be applied toward multiple types of RNA medicines including small interfering RNA, messenger RNA, antisense RNA, microRNA and gene editing therapeutics. The company owns LUNAR nanoparticle delivery and Unlocked Nucleomonomer Agent (UNA) technology including UNA Oligomers, which are covered by its patent portfolio (>110 patents and patent applications, issued in the U.S., Europe, Japan, China and other countries). Arcturus’ proprietary UNA technology can be used to target individual genes in the human genome, as well as viral genes, and other species for therapeutic purposes. The company’s commitment to the development of novel RNA therapeutics has led to partnerships with Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc.,Takeda Pharmaceutical Inc., and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. For more information, visit www.ArcturusRx.com, the content of which is not incorporated herein by reference.
SOURCE: Arcturus Therapeutics
Post Views: 35
