Helperby Therapeutics Group Limited, a private pharmaceutical company, has recently signed a significant agreement with GEM Global Yield LLC SCS, a private alternative investment group based in Luxembourg. The agreement includes an investment of up to $75 million within 3 years of any public listing.
The investment will support Helperby’s mission to develop multiple new antibiotic products to combat the global spread of Anti Microbial Resistance (AMR). Under the agreement, GEM will provide Helperby with a share subscription facility of up to 75 million for a 36-month term following public listing of Helperby shares. Helperby will have control over the timing and maximum amount of each individual drawdown, with no minimum drawdown obligation. In addition, Helperby will issue warrants to GEM to purchase additional shares in the company.
“We are thrilled to have the support of GEM as we work towards bringing new antibiotic combinations to the market globally,” said James Phipson, Helperby Chairman and CEO. “GEM’s expertise in health and technology is well-known and we are confident that they recognize the value of our portfolio.”
GEM also commented on the partnership, stating, “Our experts have recognized the unique and transformative approach that Helperby offers in bringing a portfolio of new antibiotics to the market quickly, cheaply, and profitably.”
Helperby’s approach involves designing combinations of existing approved antibiotics that act synergistically, increasing their effectiveness beyond that of single drugs. This approach has been successful in treating malaria and AIDS/HIV, with several top-selling products being multiple drug combinations. This method also reduces the risk, lead time for approvals, and cost of clinical trials by utilizing already-approved drugs. It also extends the longevity of the products and associated patents, as new combinations are discovered and existing ones are varied with additional synergistic drugs.
According to Phipson, Helperby has three products ready for immediate clinical trials, all of which target World Health Organisation Critical or High Priority Pathogens. These products will initially be available as IV treatments for severe hospitalized patients, with plans to expand to broader indications and oral products in Helperby’s portfolio. The company’s IP portfolio and development pipeline ensure a continuous supply of new antibiotics for years to come.
Helperby Therapeutics is based in London, Dublin, and Bedford NH (USA), and was founded by Professor Sir Anthony Coates, a global authority on AMR and a leader in global efforts to combat it. The company was spun out from the Medical School at London’s St. George’s Hospital, which is part of Britain’s National Health Service. Professor Coates is also a lecturer on these subjects at the medical school of City St George’s, University of London. For more information, visit www.helperby.com.
GEM Global Emerging Markets is a $3.4 billion alternative investment group with offices in Paris, New York, and Nassau (Bahamas). The group manages a diverse set of investment vehicles focused on emerging markets and has completed over 600 transactions in 70 countries. Each investment vehicle has a different degree of operational control, risk-adjusted return, and liquidity profile. GEM and its partners have exposure to Small-Mid Cap Management Buyouts, Private Investments in Public Equities, and select venture investments. For more information, visit http://www.gemny.com.