On February 2, 2022 Calidi Biotherapeutics, Inc. ("Calidi" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company that is pioneering the development of cell-based delivery of oncolytic viruses, and Edoc Acquisition Corp. ("Edoc") (NASDAQ: ADOC), a blank check company organized to acquire or merge with one or more businesses, reported that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement (Press release, Calidi Biotherapeutics, FEB 2, 2022, View Source [SID1234607657]). Upon closing the transaction, anticipated to occur in the second quarter of 2022, the combined company will be named Calidi Biotherapeutics, Inc. and led by Allan Camaisa, CEO and Chairman of the Board. In addition, the combined company’s common stock intends to list on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:
Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing
Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!
"We are excited about combining with Edoc to advance our mission of delivering life-saving oncolytic virus therapies with the potential to revolutionize patient care," said Mr. Camaisa. "This business combination positions us well as we enter the next phase of our growth, delivering on the promise of our NeuroNova (NNV) and SuperNova (SNV) platforms, to surpass the deficiencies of the first generation oncolytic viruses existing in the marketplace. Furthermore, it will allow us to leverage Edoc’s extensive 400+ physician network across many disciplines."
"Calidi’s innovative stem cell-based delivery platforms are being developed to overcome the immune system’s ability to eliminate oncolytic viruses, potentially allowing oncolytic viral therapy to be successful," said Dr. Kevin Chen, Chairman and CEO of Edoc. "We aim to invest in people and companies that can change the healthcare landscape, and we believe that Calidi’s technology is differentiated and has the potential to transform cancer therapy."
The transaction includes gross proceeds of up to $92 million in trust at Edoc (less any redemptions by existing Edoc shareholders) and a concurrent $25 million PIPE from institutional investors.
Additionally, Edoc entered into backstop arrangements with certain institutional investors for the purchase of up to 2.2 million shares of Edoc Class A ordinary shares in connection with Edoc’s shareholder meeting to approve the business combination as well as Edoc’s February 9, 2022 shareholder meeting to approve an extension of time to complete its business combination, with the actual amount dependent upon the amount of cash available after each such shareholder meeting after any redemptions.
Net proceeds from the transaction are expected to provide Calidi with capital to advance its pipeline through multiple clinical milestones, such as:
NNV1 Phase 2 initiation: allogeneic neural stem cells loaded with an oncolytic adenovirus for the treatment of newly diagnosed glioblastoma.
NNV2 Phase 1 initiation: allogeneic neural stem cells loaded with an oncolytic adenovirus for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma.
SNV1 Phase 1 initiation: allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSC) loaded with an oncolytic vaccinia virus for the treatment of advanced metastatic solid tumors.
Support expansion of Calidi’s stem cell-based delivery platforms into additional indications
Key Transaction Terms
Upon closing of the business combination (the "Business Combination"), and assuming no redemptions of shares of Edoc by its public shareholders, Calidi would be expected to have cash and cash equivalents, prior to transaction expenses, of approximately $117 million (less any redemptions and transaction expenses) and a pro forma enterprise valuation of $449 million.
The boards of directors of Calidi and Edoc unanimously approved the proposed transaction, which is anticipated to close in the second quarter of 2022. The closing of the transaction is subject to the approval of Edoc shareholders, regulatory approval and the satisfaction or waiver of certain other customary closing conditions.
A Current Report on Form 8-K, filed by Edoc with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), will provide additional information about the proposed business combination, related financings and backstop arrangements, and will be available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, Edoc intends to file a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC, including a proxy statement/prospectus, and will file other documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC.
Advisors
H.C. Wainwright & Co. served as financial advisor to Calidi. Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP acted as legal counsel to Calidi. Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP acted as legal counsel to Edoc, and I-Bankers Securities, Inc. as financial advisor to Edoc.