Biophytis extends its contract with Atlas to secure financing for its business activities
Biophytis announces the extension of its bond financing agreement with Atlas, a specialized investment fund based in New York (USA), in order to secure financing for its business activities, in particular the launch of its clinical programs OBA in obesity and MYODA in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).
This two-year amendment, expiring on 14 June 2026, will allow Biophytis to issue convertible bonds for a maximum amount of €16 million, in tranches of up to €2 million each. The extension of this financing facility and the terms of the renewal agreement reflect Atlas‘ confidence in Biophytis’ growth potential. To limit the potentially dilutive impact of the financing, the issue of a new tranche will only be possible if the outstanding bond debt held by Atlas at the time of the drawdown is no more than €2 million. The current outstanding amount is €3 million. Given the characteristics of the contract amendment, this financing facility could extend the Company’s cash runway, currently estimated at the end of August 2024, to the end of 2024 and contribute to the financing of R&D programs in 2025.
With an estimated market size of $6 billion in 2023 and an estimated average annual growth rate expected around 42%, the addressable market for the treatment of obesity is set to reach $100 billion by 2030. The OBA Phase 2 clinical study is expected to start mid-2024, upon regulatory approvals, with first patients expected to be treated in the second half of 2024.
In addition, Biophytis has been granted orphan drug designation and has received IND (Investigational New Drug) approval from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to start the MYODA phase 1/2 clinical trial with BIO101 (20-hydroxyecdysone) in non-ambulatory DMD patients. This terrible neuromuscular disease with no approved treatment for the specific respiratory symptoms is an opportunity for a fast access to market.
Biophytis is actively seeking partners and additional funding to conduct its OBA and MYODA clinical programs in the coming months.