Assets include the FDA-approved LIKMEZ™, the
ATI-1701 tularemia vaccine defense program that has been awarded a
USD $14 million non-dilutive award from the DoD, and the ATI-1801
topical formulation
Aditxt, Inc. (“Aditxt” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: ADTX), a
company dedicated to discovering, developing, and deploying
promising health innovations, today announced that it has entered
into a definitive arrangement agreement ("Arrangement Agreement")
to acquire Appili Therapeutics Inc. (TSX: APLI; OTCQX: APLIF)
(“Appili”), a biopharmaceutical company focused on drug development
for infectious diseases and medical countermeasures. Under the
Arrangement Agreement, Aditxt’s wholly owned subsidiary, Adivir,
Inc. (“Adivir”) agreed to acquire all issued and outstanding Class
A common shares of Appili (the “Appili Shares”) through a
court-approved plan of arrangement under the Canada Business
Corporations Act ("Transaction").
Since its inception in 2015, Appili has developed a diverse
portfolio, including the FDA-approved LIKMEZ™ (previously
ATI-1501), ATI-1701 biodefense program supported by a USD $14
million non-dilutive award from the U.S DoD., and ATI-1801, a
topical formulation targeting cutaneous leishmaniasis, a painful
and disfiguring disease.
LIKMEZ, FDA-Approved Taste-Masked Oral Suspension for
Bacterial Infections
Appili developed LIKMEZ, a new formulation of the antibiotic
metronidazole, specifically tailored to improve patient experience
and adherence, particularly in patients who have difficulty
swallowing large tablets. The patent-protected LIKMEZ is a
reformulated taste-masking technology containing metronidazole,
which makes it easier to swallow and better tasting, increasing
patient compliance.
The U.S. FDA's approval of LIKMEZ highlighted Appili’s capacity
to identify and develop significant opportunities within the
infectious disease domain. Appili licensed the manufacturing and
commercialization rights in the U.S. and other selected territories
to Saptalis Pharmaceuticals, LLC (“Saptalis”). Appili, in
collaboration with Saptalis, continued the product's development,
ultimately achieving FDA approval in the United States. With FDA
approval, future revenue is expected to be derived from milestone
payments and royalties from Saptalis under the license
agreement.
ATI-1701, Live Attenuated Vaccine for Francisella
Tularensis
Appili is developing ATI-1701 as a live attenuated vaccine to
combat Francisella tularensis, which is classified by the U.S.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a Category A pathogen, an
organism that poses the highest risk to national security and
public health due to its high rate of infectivity and ability to
cause lethal pneumonia and systemic infection. Estimated to be
1,000-fold more infectious than anthrax, experts consider the
aerosolized form to have a high potential for use in a bioterrorism
attack.
Appili's strategic alignment with governmental and public health
priorities has secured non-dilutive funding of USD $14 million from
the U.S. DoD for its ATI-1701 biodefense program. This funding has
been crucial in advancing the development of ATI-1701, including
support for manufacturing, non-clinical studies, and regulatory
activities through the submission of an Investigational New Drug
(IND) application. ATI-1701 may be eligible for a Priority Review
Voucher (PRV) if the U.S. Government extends the Medical
Countermeasures PRV program. A PRV enables its recipient to
expedite the review process for future drug applications upon
issuance. While no assurance can be provided that ATI-1701 will be
deemed eligible for a priority review voucher or, what its ultimate
worth will be if approved, and recent secondary market transactions
involving PRVs have ranged from USD $80 million to USD $100
million, their strategic value extends beyond the secondary market,
offering significant advantages in accelerating the development
timeline of new treatments.
ATI-1801, Topical Formulation for the Treatment of Cutaneous
Leishmaniasis (CL)
ATI-1801 represents Appili’s innovative approach to combating
cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a devastating skin infection
classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Neglected
Tropical Disease (NTD) that impacts hundreds of thousands of
individuals globally. This topical product is formulated with
paromomycin, a previously approved antibiotic available in oral or
injectable form. The topical formulation allows a more direct and
comfortable application for patients who suffer from painful CL
lesions.
Having undergone evaluation in a Phase 3 study, ATI-1801 targets
CL infections that manifest through skin lesions and ulcers,
leading to potential scarring, disfigurement, and societal stigma.
Appili is committed to collaborating with stakeholders worldwide to
advance the development of ATI-1801 and to obtain regulatory
approvals, ensuring global access to this critical treatment.
Additionally, Appili is assessing the potential for ATI-1801 to
qualify for a Priority Review Voucher (PRV), a step that could
further expedite bringing this essential therapy to those in
need.
Synergy with Aditxt’s Programs
This acquisition will enhance Aditxt’s portfolio of subsidiaries
and create synergies with its existing programs, particularly
precision diagnostics. Integrating Appili’s expertise and product
lines would pave the way for a comprehensive approach to population
health, from early detection and prevention to treatment. The
potential for collaboration within the Aditxt ecosystem can
streamline patient care, from early detection through precision
diagnostics to developing tailored treatment strategies.
Amro Albanna, Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Aditxt,
elaborated on the significance of this acquisition, stating, “The
acquisition of Appili would represent another step in Aditxt’s
journey towards advancing promising innovations in health. Our
mission is to accelerate some of the most promising health
innovations, like those developed by Appili, to reach their full
potential and to have a lasting impact. The urgency for innovative
and effective public health solutions is unprecedented. The need to
discover and bring new treatments to the market or to enhance
existing ones to combat public health challenges has never been
more critical. By integrating Appili’s proven expertise and diverse
portfolio in the infectious disease and biodefense domain, Aditxt
can substantially contribute to advancing public health
solutions.”
“This transaction with Aditxt aligns with our goals on multiple
levels. We see this as an opportunity for growth, innovation, and
collaboration. Our shared vision and combined expertise will
undoubtedly accelerate our mission to develop innovative treatments
and solutions for some of the most challenging health threats
facing the world today. Appili can now leverage Aditxt’s proven
research and development, operations, and commercialization
expertise to accelerate the development of our three programs.
Secondly, as a NASDAQ-listed company, we believe Aditxt can
facilitate capital access in this challenging economic environment.
We welcome this new chapter, confident that together, we will
achieve even greater heights in deploying innovative healthcare
solutions,” said Dr. Don Cilla, President and CEO of Appili
Therapeutics.
Transaction Details:
The Transaction will be effected through a court-approved plan
of arrangement under the Canada Business Corporations Act. Under
the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, Adivir will acquire all of
the issued and outstanding Appili Shares, with each Appili
Shareholder receiving (i) 0.002745004 of a share of common stock
(each whole share, an “Aditxt Share”) of Aditxt (the
“Share Consideration”) and (ii) US$0.0467 for each Appili
Share held (the “Cash Consideration” and together with the
Share Consideration collectively, the “Transaction
Consideration”) representing total consideration per Appili
Share of approximately US$0.0561 based on the closing price of
Aditxt stock on March 28, 2024 After giving effect to the
Transaction, Appili Shareholders will hold approximately 19.99% of
the issued and outstanding Aditxt Shares (on a non-diluted basis)
based on the currently issued and outstanding Aditxt Shares
(calculated on a non-diluted basis). In connection with the
Transaction, each outstanding option and warrant of Appili will be
cashed out based on the implied in-the-money value of the
Transaction Consideration.
In connection with the Transaction Aditxt will: (i) agree to
repay no less than 50% in outstanding senior secured debt at the
closing of the Transaction (the “Closing”) and to repay the
remaining outstanding senior secured debt by no later than December
31, 2024; (ii) acquire all of Appili’s remaining outstanding
liabilities and indebtedness; and (iii) agree to satisfy certain
payables of Appili at Closing as further detailed in the
Arrangement Agreement.
The Transaction is subject to the approval of at least
two-thirds of the votes cast at the special meeting of the Appili
Shareholders, which is expected to be held before the end of
calendar Q2 2024 to approve the Transaction.
Appili's directors, officers, and certain shareholders holding
approximately 11.9% of the total voting power of the issued and
outstanding Appili Shares have entered into voting support
agreements with the Buyer to vote in favor of the Transaction.
The Transaction is conditional upon Aditxt raising at least
US$20 million in financing (the “Aditxt Financing”) prior to
Closing. In addition, completion of the Transaction is subject to
other customary conditions, including the receipt of all necessary
court, regulatory and stock exchange approvals. Subject to
receiving all required approvals, Closing is expected to occur not
later than early Q3 2024.
The Arrangement Agreement contains customary terms and
conditions, including non-solicitation provisions, which are
subject to Appili's right to consider and accept a superior
proposal subject to a matching right in favor of Aditxt. The
Arrangement Agreement also provides for paying a termination fee of
Cdn$1.25 million in certain circumstances.
None of the securities to be issued pursuant to the Arrangement
Agreement have been or will be registered under the United States
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities
Act"), or any state securities laws, and any securities issued
in the Transaction are anticipated to be issued in reliance upon
available exemptions from such registration requirements pursuant
to Section 3(a)(10) of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable
exemptions under state securities laws. This news release does not
constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy
any securities.
If the Transaction is completed, the Appili Shares will be
delisted from the TSX and the OTCQX and Appili will apply to cease
to be a reporting issuer.
Advisors
Aird & Berlis LLP acted as Canadian legal counsel to Aditxt.
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP acted as US securities
counsel to Aditxt and Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP
acted as US M&A counsel to Aditxt.
Dentons Canada LLP acted as legal counsel to Appili. Bloom
Burton & Co. acted as financial advisor to the Appili Board and
BDO Canada LLP acted as independent financial advisor to the Appili
Special Committee.
About Aditxt, Inc.
Aditxt, Inc.® (“Aditxt”) (NASDAQ: ADTX) is an innovation
platform dedicated to discovering, developing, and deploying
promising innovations. Aditxt’s ecosystem of research institutions,
industry partners, and shareholders collaboratively drives their
mission to “Make Promising Innovations Possible Together.” The
innovation platform is the cornerstone of Aditxt’s strategy, where
multiple disciplines drive disruptive growth and address
significant societal challenges. Aditxt operates a unique model
that democratizes innovation, ensures every stakeholder’s voice is
heard and valued, and empowers collective progress.
Aditxt has a diverse innovation portfolio, including Adimune™,
Inc., which is leading the charge in developing a novel class of
therapeutics for retraining the immune system to combat organ
rejection, autoimmunity, and allergies. Adivir™, Inc. focuses on
enhancing national and population health and impacting public
health globally. Pearsanta™, Inc., delivers rapid, personalized,
and high-quality lab testing accessible anytime, anywhere, led by
its CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited clinical laboratory based in
Richmond, VA.
For more information see: www.aditxt.com
About Appili Therapeutics
Appili Therapeutics is an infectious disease biopharmaceutical
company that is purposefully built, portfolio-driven, and
people-focused to fulfill its mission of solving life-threatening
infections. By systematically identifying urgent infections with
unmet needs, Appili aims to strategically develop a pipeline of
novel therapies to prevent deaths and improve lives. The Company is
currently advancing a diverse range of anti-infectives, including a
vaccine candidate to eliminate a severe biological weapon threat, a
topical antiparasitic for the treatment of a disfiguring disease,
and a novel easy to use, liquid oral formulation targeting
parasitic and anaerobic infections. Appili is at the epicenter of
the global fight against infection, led by a proven management
team.
For more information, visit www.AppiliTherapeutics.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release constitute
“forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal
securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements
regarding the Company’s ability to close the proposed transaction,
including but not limited to, the Company’s ability to raise the
necessary capital to close the transaction; the ability of both
companies to secure all required regulatory, third-party and
shareholder approvals for the proposed transaction; the Company’s
expectation that shares of its common stock will remain listed on
the Nasdaq Stock Market; the anticipated timing to close the
transaction; the anticipated financial performances of the Company
and Appili both before and after the proposed transaction; the
anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction including
synergies to Aditxt’s business following the proposed transaction;
Appili’s ability to secure PRV vouchers for one or more of its
programs; Aditxt’s ability to leverage Appili for subsequent
product acquisitions and license agreements subsequent to the
transaction; Appili’s ability to secure and maintain requisite
regulatory approvals; costs related to the transaction; and changes
to the potential market size and the size of the patient
populations utilizing LIKMEZ. You are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are current
only as of the date of this press release. Each of these
forward-looking statements involves risks and uncertainties.
Important factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those discussed or implied in the forward-looking
statements are disclosed in the each company’s SEC filings,
including Aditxt’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2022 filed with the SEC on April 17, 2023 as amended
April 28, 2023 and July 12, 2023, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended September 30, 2023 filed with the SEC on November
14, 2023, and any subsequent filings. All forward-looking
statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by such
factors. The Company does not undertake any duty to update any
forward-looking statement except as required by law.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240402301815/en/
Media Relations Contact: Mary O’ Brien mobrien@aditxt.com
(516) 753-9933
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