miRagen Therapeutics, Signal Genetics Merge
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Signal Genetics, Inc. and Miragen Therapeutics, Inc. announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which the stockholders of miRagen are currently estimated to become holders of approximately 96% of Signal's outstanding common stock on a fully-diluted basis. The proposed merger remains subject to certain conditions, including approval by Signal's and miRagen's stockholders.
In conjunction with the proposed merger, an investor syndicate comprised of existing miRagen investors and new investors has committed to invest approximately $40 million in miRagen immediately prior to closing of the proposed merger. The investor syndicate includes Fidelity Management and Research Company, Brace Pharma Capital, Atlas Venture, Boulder Ventures, JAFCO Co., Ltd., MP Healthcare Venture Management, MRL Ventures (a venture fund of Merck, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada), Remeditex Ventures, and others.
The proposed merger will create a clinical-stage, biopharmaceutical company developing proprietary micro RNA-targeted clinical product candidates addressing hematological malignancies and pathological fibrosis and pre-clinical product candidates addressing cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. The total cash balance of the combined company upon the closing of the proposed merger and the financing is expected to exceed $50 million.
"We believe microRNA targeting therapeutics have the potential to address complex diseases with high unmet medical need and miRagen will be well positioned to execute on our programs." said William S. Marshall, President and Chief Executive Officer of miRagen. "We believe proceeds from the concurrent financing will allow us to advance our lead assets in hematological malignancy and pathological fibrosis into later stage clinical evaluation."
Samuel D. Riccitelli, Signal's President and Chief Executive Officer added, "We have chosen to combine with miRagen following an extensive review of strategic alternatives and a thorough process because we believe the proposed merger provides Signal stockholders with an opportunity for value appreciation."
