Medera to Merge with Keen Vision Acquisition Corp
Keen Vision and Medera to merge, with Medera valued at $622.6M, aiming for Nasdaq listing by late 2024.
Breaking News
Sep 10, 2024
Mrudula Kulkarni
Keen Vision Acquisition Corp. (KVAC) and Medera, a
clinical-stage biotechnology firm, have agreed to a merger that will see the
combined entity operate under the Medera name. Valued at $622.6 million, the
merger is slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2024 and will provide
approximately $149.5 million in cash proceeds from KVAC’s trust account.
Medera, which comprises the Sardocor and Novoheart business
units, is focused on developing gene- and cell-based therapies for
cardiovascular diseases. The company also leverages bioengineered human-based
screening technology for disease modeling and drug discovery.
Kenneth KC Wong, CEO of KVAC, highlighted Medera’s unique
position for sustainable growth due to its innovative technology platform and
extensive portfolio of clinical and preclinical candidates. Medera's gene
therapy candidates are currently undergoing FDA clinical trials, and its
collaborations with global pharmaceutical companies further validate its
progress.
Ronald Li, founder and CEO of Medera, emphasized that the
Nasdaq listing resulting from the merger will enhance the company’s ability to
advance its clinical and preclinical programs, aiming to deliver novel
therapeutic solutions to patients with unmet needs.
The merger, which has received unanimous approval from the
boards of both KVAC and Medera, remains subject to customary closing conditions
and shareholder approval from both companies.