Axovant Sciences (NYSE: AXON), a leading clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of dementia, today announced that it has entered into a $55.0 million debt financing agreement with Hercules Capital, Inc. (NYSE: HTGC) ("Hercules"), a leader in customized debt financing for companies in life sciences and technology-related markets. "This financing provides Axovant additional flexibility to pursue its mission of developing comprehensive solutions for patients with dementia," stated Vivek Ramaswamy, Chief Executive Officer of Axovant Sciences. "We are excited to be working with the Hercules team that has a long history of supporting innovative life sciences companies." "Hercules is pleased to enter into this financing partnership with Axovant at this important stage to allow it to continue to advance and expand its pipeline and achieve its growth objectives," said Scott Bluestein, Chief Investment Officer at Hercules Capital. "This investment in Axovant provides another example of our ability to finance life sciences companies through multiple stages of development and through various value inflection points." The full amount of the $55.0 million loan was funded upon closing. The loan will mature on March 1, 2021. Payments under the loan are interest only for a period of 18 months, followed by equal monthly installments of principal and interest thereafter. The interest-only period may be extended to 24 months contingent upon Axovant achieving of certain clinical development milestones. In connection with the debt financing, Axovant issued Hercules a warrant to purchase up to 274,086 of its common shares at an exercise price of $12.04 per share. Further information with respect to the debt financing agreement with Hercules will be contained in a Current Report to be filed on Form 8-K by Axovant with the Securities and Exchange Commission. About Axovant Sciences Axovant Sciences is a global clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel therapeutics for the treatment of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia. Our vision is to become the leading company focused on the treatment of dementia by addressing all forms and aspects of this condition.
About Hercules Capital, Inc.
Hercules Capital, Inc. (NYSE: HTGC) is the leading and largest specialty finance company focused on providing senior secured venture growth loans to high-growth, innovative venture capital-backed companies in a broad variety of technology, life sciences and sustainable and renewable technology industries. Since inception (December 2003), Hercules has committed more than $6.3 billion to over 360 companies and is the lender of choice for entrepreneurs and venture capital firms seeking growth capital financing.
