Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Licence needed for work use Learn More

Video | Agriculture | Confidence | Economy | Energy | Employment | Finance | Media | Property | RBNZ | Science | SOEs | Tax | Technology | Telecoms | Tourism | Transport | Search

 

Innate Immunotherapeutics launches IPO to raise A$12 m

Innate Immunotherapeutics launches IPO to raise up to A$12 million

• Innate Immunotherapeutics launches Initial Public Offer (IPO) to raise up to $12 million through the offer of up to 60 million shares.

• The Company has a Phase 2B drug candidate, MIS416, to treat secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). There are currently no approved disease modifying drugs for the safe and effective ongoing treatments for this progressive and highly disabling form of multiple sclerosis.

• Completed Phase 1B/2A trials have demonstrated that the drug appears to be safe at the doses trialed and patients treated with the drug have reported a range of significant improvements in their MS symptoms after six months or more of treatment.

• The majority of funds raised will be used to conduct a placebo controlled Phase 2B efficacy trial in Australia which is due to commence during the second quarter of 2014.

Auckland, 26 November 2013: Medical biotechnology company Innate Immunotherapeutics has today announced its plans to raise up to A$12 million through an IPO of up to 60 million shares at A$0.20 per share. Firm commitments for A$5 million have been received, including A$3 million from Australian Ethical Smaller Companies Trust who have provided the cornerstone investment for the IPO.

The majority of funds raised will be used to conduct a placebo controlled Phase 2B efficacy trial for its lead drug candidate MIS416 for secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). The trial is due to commence at multiple sites in Australia during the second quarter of 2014.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Worldwide, 30% of all multiple sclerosis (MS) sufferers have SPMS and there are currently no approved disease modifying drugs for the safe and effective, ongoing treatment of this highly disabling form of the disease.

The Company has completed Phase 1B/2A trials in New Zealand during which the drug raised no safety concerns and, in most patients treated for three months, showed clear signs of positive effect. These trials were funded in part by the US National MS Society (NMSS) and the New Zealand Government.

In addition, 17 patients with SPMS have been treated with MIS416 over the past five years in New Zealand under a compassionate use programme, which is permitted under the NZ Medicines Act. Of the total 17 patients treated in this manner, 14 have reported significant improvements in their MS symptoms and/or health-related quality of life, following six months or more of treatment.

“We believe that this IPO presents an opportunity to invest in an exciting new treatment for secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, which is a debilitating disease with no approved, effective ongoing treatment options,” said Innate Immunotherapeutics CEO, Simon Wilkinson. “This is an investment that can help make an enormous difference to the lives of people afflicted by SPMS.”

On successful completion of the Phase 2B trial, expected in late 2015, the Company strategy is to maximize the value of the technology through a major partnering or acquisition transaction. Pharmaceutical companies with existing drugs to treat early stage MS appear to be actively seeking drugs to treat SPMS and the Company has engaged early and positively with these companies.

Patersons Securities Limited and Morgans Corporate Limited are joint lead managers to the IPO.

Copies of the Prospectus are available on the Company’s website:

http://www.innateimmunotherapeutics.com/investor-centre/ipo-prospectus

Applications can only be made by investors living in Australia or New Zealand and may only be made using the Public Offer Application Form that will be in, or accompany, the Prospectus. The Public Offer is contained in the Prospectus and potential investors should consider the Prospectus in its entirety before making an investment decision

-Ends

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Business Headlines | Sci-Tech Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.