Seneca Biopharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNCA) (“Seneca”), and Leading Biosciences, Inc. (“LBS”), a privately held company focused on developing novel therapeutics to improve human health through therapeutic protection of the gastrointestinal (“GI”) mucosal barrier, announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which a wholly owned subsidiary of Seneca will merge with LBS in an all-stock transaction. The combined company will focus on advancing LBS’s lead pipeline asset, LB1148, in clinical studies to evaluate its potential to improve restoration of normal GI function following major surgery and reduce certain postoperative complications such as abdominal adhesions. Upon completion of the merger, the company is expected to operate under the name Palisade Bio, Inc. and trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol PALI.
Altium Capital has agreed to invest $22.5 million at the close of the merger, subject to customary conditions. The private placement financing will help fund continued development of the combined company’s clinical programs, including LB1148, and is expected to close immediately prior to the completion of the merger.
LB1148 is a Phase 3-ready, patent-protected, oral formulation of a broad-spectrum serine protease inhibitor designed to neutralize the activity of potent digestive proteases that are released from the gut during surgery, which in turn contribute to the temporary loss of normal gastrointestinal function and formation of postoperative adhesions. By inhibiting the activity of these digestive proteases, LB1148 has the potential to prevent damage to GI tissues, accelerate the time to return of normal GI function, and shorten the duration of costly post-surgery hospital stays.
“This is a transformational event for Leading BioSciences, and a critical next step in the evolution of the Company. Through this merger, the newly formed Palisade Bio will be optimally positioned to advance our lead drug candidate LB1148 through the final phases of clinical development for FDA approval,” said Tom M. Hallam, Ph.D., chief executive officer of LBS. “We are excited to commence pivotal studies with LB1148 in our first indication to reduce the time to return to normal postoperative GI function following neonatal open-heart surgery. This oral therapeutic has the potential to be transformative for improving outcomes in multiple surgery indications.”
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Kenneth C. Carter, Ph.D., executive chairman of Seneca, remarked, “Following an extensive review of strategic alternatives, we believe that this merger with Leading BioSciences is in the best interest of Seneca’s stockholders, and has the potential to deliver both near- and long-term value to the stockholders. The strength and dedication of the Leading BioSciences leadership team, combined with their highly differentiated pipeline assets and enthusiastic support from leading clinicians, provides a compelling foundation for future success for all stakeholders, and they have our full support.”
Source: Biospace
