Apricus Biosciences Announces Merger Agreement with Seelos Therapeutics

Apricus Biosciences (NASDAQ:APRI) has announced it has signed an agreement to merge with Seelos Therapeutics in an all-stock transaction.

As quoted in the press release:

The merged company will focus on the development and commercialization of central nervous system (CNS) therapeutics with known mechanisms of action in areas with a highly unmet medical need. Upon completion of the proposed merger, the name of the merged company will be Seelos Therapeutics, Inc., and the company is expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “SEEL.” Seelos will maintain its headquarters in New York, New York.

“Following a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives conducted through a structured process, the Apricus Board of Directors has concluded that the proposed merger with Seelos is in the best interest of our shareholders, as it will provide an opportunity to create value from a diversified pipeline of late-stage clinical assets in areas of high unmet need,” said Richard Pascoe, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Apricus. “Moreover, we believe that the Seelos management, led by Dr. Raj Mehra, is well positioned to advance Seelos’ robust pipeline towards regulatory approval and commercialization in the United States.”

“The announcement of this merger with Apricus marks the beginning of the next stage of growth for Seelos,” said Raj Mehra, Ph.D., CEO of Seelos. “We have built a strong foundation with a team of established industry leaders and a robust pipeline of transformative product candidates with proven mechanisms of action, including several late-stage assets. The transaction builds upon our shared vision to develop, advance and commercialize innovative therapeutics for patients with CNS disorders. We look forward to establishing a leadership position in the field of neurologic disorders, growing our team, driving long-term shareholder value, and bringing to market therapies for patients who currently have no viable treatment options.”

Click here to read the full press release.