TURKU, FINLAND--(Marketwired - Jun 4, 2013) - Biotie Therapies Corp. ("Biotie") today announced that it has obtained an exclusive option to acquire Neurelis, Inc. ("Neurelis"), a private specialty pharmaceutical company based in San Diego, CA, focused on developing products for epilepsy and other disorders of the central nervous system ("CNS").
Neurelis' lead product, NRL-1, is a proprietary intranasal formulation of diazepam delivered via an already marketed nasal sprayer. It is being developed to help patients with epilepsy who require intermittent use of diazepam to manage bouts of acute and repetitive seizures.
Timo Veromaa, President and Chief Executive Officer of Biotie stated "Our interest in Neurelis is in line with our ongoing portfolio review, which is focused on ensuring that we are developing products that address areas of significant unmet medical need and have the greatest potential for creating value for our shareholders. We are now in a position to assess the potential of NRL-1 alongside our internal pipeline opportunities." He continued "NRL-1 is an exciting late-stage product for the control of epileptic seizures. We believe the product could offer a far better solution for patients and their caregivers who currently rely on rectal administration of diazepam or visits to the emergency room to control debilitating episodes. Importantly, NRL-1 could also provide a much needed treatment option for those individuals who are not willing to use rectal administration, a particular issue in the United States."
Under the terms of the option and merger agreement entered into today between Biotie, Neurelis and Neurelis' shareholders, Biotie will make a payment of US$1.0 million to Neurelis for the exclusive right, but not the obligation, to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Neurelis for a pre-defined amount of US$8.75 million, subject to certain adjustments, to be paid in new shares of Biotie to be issued on approval by the Board of Directors. Biotie may exercise the option right up until the start of the pivotal pharmacokinetic clinical studies that will form the basis of a 505 (b)(2) New Drug Application (but no later than December 3, 2014). This is expected in approximately 12-18 months' time.
Biotie's decision to exercise its option will be dependent on, among other factors, the outcome of ongoing discussions with the FDA and further manufacturing and pre-clinical work which Biotie will be conducting.
If the acquisition is completed, Neurelis will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Biotie and former Neurelis shareholders would, in addition to the pre-defined acquisition payment, be entitled to receive additional milestone payments related to pre-determined regulatory and commercial milestones in respect of NRL-1 and NRL-2 in the United States and further milestones if further regulatory approvals are obtained, payable in shares of Biotie or cash as determined by the Board of Directors.
Turku, 4 June 2013
Biotie Therapies Corp. Timo Veromaa President and CEO
Distribution: NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd Main Media
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Biotie Purchases Option to Acquire Neurelis, Inc.