Zalicus Inc. (Nasdaq Capital Market: ZLCS) and Epirus Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., a Boston-based biopharmaceutical company focused on the global development and commercialization of biosimilar monoclonal antibodies, announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Epirus will merge with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zalicus in an all-stock transaction. Following closing, Zalicus will be re-named Epirus Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., and will operate under the leadership of the Epirus management team…
The merger will create a Nasdaq-listed, publicly traded company focused on building a global biosimilar enterprise to improve patient access to important medicines. Epirus is currently developing a pipeline of biosimilars, including BOW015, a biosimilar to Remicade, BOW050, a biosimilar to Humira, and BOW030 a biosimilar to Avastin.
This is a full-fledged reverse merger in which Epirus is acquiring ZLCS’ Nasdaq listing as an alternative to an IPO. After the merger, existing ZLCS shareholders will own 14-19% of the new company, depending on ZLCS’ cash balance at the time of the closing. (ZLCS’ non-financial assets other than its Nasdaq listing are essentially being valued at nil.)