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Inside FNIH: Dr. Stacey Adam on Smarter, Human-Based Research on BioTalk

By BioTalk with Rich Bendis Podcast, News

In this episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis welcomes Dr. Stacey Adam, Vice President of Science Partnerships, Translational Science at the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH), to discuss how public-private partnerships are advancing scientific innovation. Dr. Adam introduces the mission of FNIH and its unique role in bridging government, industry, and academia to accelerate biomedical progress. She highlights the Validation and Qualification Network (VQN), a new initiative working to overcome barriers to the adoption of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and explains how cross-sector collaboration is driving its early success. The conversation explores the long-term vision of the VQN, the global perspectives shaping its approach, and how it fits into the broader NIH Complement-ARIE initiative. Dr. Adam also reflects on the significance of being headquartered in the BioHealth Capital Region and how it supports the Foundation’s mission.

Listen now via your favorite podcast platform:
Apple – https://apple.co/3UngVhK
Spotify – https://bit.ly/411Mdym
YouTube Podcasts – https://bit.ly/4m3tY3Y
iHeart – https://ihr.fm/4locw9o
Amazon Podcast – https://amzn.to/3JaSO3l

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

Guest Bio
Dr. Stacey Adam is Vice President of Science Partnerships at the Foundation for the NIH (FNIH), where she leads major public-private partnerships including the RECOVER-Treating Long COVID initiative, multiple Biomarkers Consortium projects, the Accelerating Medicines Partnerships (AMPs), and the Lung-MAP clinical trial. She also leads efforts to design new public-private partnerships focused on pediatric medical devices, cancer systems biology, and the advancement of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) through the Validation and Qualification Network. Previously, Dr. Adam worked at Deloitte Consulting and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University School of Medicine. She holds a PhD in Pharmacology with a Certificate in Mammalian Toxicology from Duke University.

NIH Grant Changes Spark Concern Across the BioHealth Capital Region and Beyond

By News

For decades, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been the cornerstone of the United States’ biomedical research enterprise. But new policies introduced by the current administration, alongside a proposed 40% cut to the NIH’s FY 2026 budget, are sending shockwaves through the research community. The impacts are already visible, and deeply concerning for institutions, researchers, and innovative ecosystems across the country, including the BioHealth Capital Region (BHCR).

As first reported in Science by Jocelyn Kaiser, NIH has begun implementing a major shift in how it funds research grants: 50% of multiyear awards must now be funded in full, up front, rather than distributed year by year over the life of the grant. This policy was initiated without Congressional approval, though the 2026 budget proposal may expand this to a larger number of grants, with the percentage expected to rise to 100% by FY27. The impact of this is already reshaping funding outcomes for FY 2025.

In practice, this means that instead of spreading the cost of a three-year grant across three annual appropriations, NIH must now allocate the full amount from the current year’s budget. As a result, far fewer grants can be awarded.

According to Kaiser’s reporting in Science, the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) grant payline has dropped from 10% to 4%. A reduction so sharp means that many investigators will no longer consider applying. Other NIH institutes are facing similar cuts:

  • The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) payline is projected to drop from 12% to 5–8%.
  • The National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) are each expected to fund only one-quarter to one-third as many grants as last year, reducing paylines from 15% to 4–5%.

Adding to these concerns, the NIH is reported to be conducting additional assessments of grants that have already undergone and passed scientific peer review, introducing uncertainty into a system once governed by rigor, transparency, and merit.

Full article via Science:
https://www.science.org/content/article/odds-winning-nih-grants-plummet-new-funding-policy-and-spending-delays-bite

As public policy expert Don Moynihan writes in his Substack piece, this new multi-year funding policy was imposed not by NIH leadership, but by political appointees at the Department of Health and Human Services or the White House. NIH employees are not in favor of this requirement and have been working to mitigate its damage internally. However, the rapid pace of implementation, amid an already complex fiscal year, is compounding the disruption.

Moynihan notes that the percentage of awarded applications across NIH is expected to drop by a factor of 2 to 4, leading to widespread lab closures, layoffs, and stalled medical research. The article also warns that this policy may be used to free up future NIH budgets for politically driven initiatives that bypass traditional scientific vetting.

Full article via Substack:
https://donmoynihan.substack.com/p/alert-the-trump-administration-is

The BioHealth Capital Region is home to the NIH, the FDA, over 1,800 life sciences companies, and hundreds of academic and clinical research institutions. The region’s strength, and its #3 ranking for the third consecutive year in the GEN Top 10 U.S. Biopharma Clusters list, rests in part on sustained federal support for biomedical research and commercialization.

A significant disruption in NIH grantmaking could disproportionately affect this region, where many companies and academic centers rely on NIH funding to support R&D, build talent pipelines, and bring new innovations to market.

As a public-private innovation intermediary, BioHealth Innovation, Inc. (BHI) is working closely with startups, entrepreneurs, and researchers across the region to navigate the changing landscape. BHI’s support for non-dilutive funding strategy and commercialization services has never been more critical.

Despite these challenges, well-crafted grant applications may still succeed. BioHealth Innovation’s Manager of Client Engagement, Jon Nelson, points out: “We’re certainly in the midst of one of the most difficult funding environments that the BioHealth sector has seen in a long time. However, experienced grant writers will be able to employ carefully crafted aims, thoughtful research approaches, and strategic key phrasing to continue to secure the desperately needed funding.”

Congressional leaders from both parties have expressed concern about the administration’s actions, including the possibility of rescinding unspent NIH funds at the end of the fiscal year. But time is short: the federal fiscal year ends on September 30, and decisions made in the next few weeks will shape the future of U.S. biomedical research for years to come.

BHI will continue monitoring these developments and advocating for policies that preserve America’s leadership in biomedical innovation. We urge stakeholders across the region to stay informed, connect with their Congressional representatives, and elevate the voices of scientists, innovators, and patients who depend on stable, merit-based research funding.

Please contact Jon Nelson, Ph.D., Manager of Client Engagement,

JNelson@BioHealthInnovation.org, if your organization is looking for assistance in this space.

TEDCO Invests in Natáur

By News

COLUMBIA, Md., (August 7, 2025) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent $250,000 Pre-Seed Builder Fund investment in Natáur. The Pre-Seed Builder Fund is housed under the Social Impact Funds, an umbrella of investment opportunities that seek to provide eligible entrepreneurs with access to support and capital.

“Natáur is redefining the future of essential nutrients—leveraging proprietary fermentation technology and engineered microbes to replace traditional petroleum-based taurine with a sustainably produced, bio-based alternative that’s safer for people, pets, and the planet,” said Kathleen Turano, president and chief operating officer of Natáur. “Thanks to TEDCO’s recent investment, we can continue our commitment and work to offer more sustainable options for taurine production.”

Natáur, located in Baltimore, Md., is a company working to provide bio-based solutions for nutrient production. Taurine is used extensively in the nutrition, food, feed and personal care sectors. Currently, the market is primarily filled with synthetic taurine made from petrochemicals, posing risks to humans, animals and the environment.

“Technological innovation comes in many forms,” said Jean-Luc Park, senior director, Social Impact Funds. “This is one reason why TEDCO’s Funds are industry agnostic. With an inclusive umbrella, we are able to promote continued business growth across Maryland and allow for continued entrepreneurial development.”

TEDCO’s Pre-Seed Builder Fund finances companies through investments via convertible notes. Besides financial support, those chosen to receive a Builder Fund investment are given administrative assistance, mentorship and networking resources.

“Maryland is where innovation meets opportunity—home to a thriving ecosystem of research institutions, tech startups, and forward-thinking leaders driving the future of science, health and entrepreneurship,” said TEDCO CEO, Troy LeMaile-Stovall. “For life sciences entrepreneurs, there is nowhere else more supportive with an abundance of unique, world-class resources than Maryland.”

TEDCO provides funding, resources and connections that early-stage technology and life sciences companies need to thrive in Maryland. For entrepreneurs interested in applying for TEDCO funding opportunities, visit our page here.

About TEDCO

TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, enhances economic empowerment growth through the fostering of an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. TEDCO identifies, invests in, and helps grow technology and life science-based companies in Maryland. Learn more at www.tedcomd.com.

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Media Contact

Tammi Thomas, Chief Development & Marketing Officer, TEDCO, tthomas@tedcomd.com

Rachael Kalinyak, Associate Director, Marketing & Communications, TEDCO, rkalinyak@tedcomd.com

Just Over 6 Weeks Away: Get Ready for the 11th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Forum

By News

Planning for the 2025 BioHealth Capital Region Forum is in full swing, and with just over six weeks to go, the agenda is shaping up to be one of the strongest yet.

This year’s theme, “Where Human and Artificial Intelligence Converge in the BioHealth Industry,” will be reflected across two days of keynotes, panels, and discussions that bring together leaders from industry, government, academia, and the investment community.

Returning favorites include Alex Philippidis from Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News with his much-anticipated GEN Top 10 BioCluster Update, and JLL’s latest BioHealth Capital Region market analysis.

This year’s panels will dive into some of the most critical and timely topics across the ecosystem, from the evolving federal funding environment and national S&T priorities to emerging AI applications in biotech, the intersection of quantum technologies and healthcare, university-driven innovation, the role of philanthropy in R&D, and the future of domestic biomanufacturing. We’ll also host fireside chats, investment insights, and conversations with leading voices helping to shape the future of the region.

Speakers and panelists will be announced in the coming weeks.

Now in its 11th year, the Forum continues to be the cornerstone of BHCR Week, offering a platform for strategic dialogue, new collaborations, and regional visibility. Whether you’re a startup founder, policymaker, investor, or part of a major institution, this is your opportunity to join hundreds of decision-makers for two days of in-person insight and connection.

The Forum is free to attend thanks to our generous sponsors.
Register now and be part of the conversation: https://bit.ly/BHCRWeek2025

Want your organization recognized on this national stage? Sponsorship opportunities are still available — contact Rich Bendis (rbendis@biohealthinnovation.org) or Andy Eckert (aeckert@biohealthinnovation.org) to learn more.

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TEDCO Awards $785,000 to the 2025 Maryland Makerspace Initiative Program Awardees

By News

COLUMBIA, Md.Aug. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TEDCOMaryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced the 2025 Maryland Makerspace Initiative Program (“Makerspace Program“) awardees. A total of nearly $785,000 in awards will span across 14 entities located in 9 counties across the state.

“Since inception, the Makerspace Program has now provided $2.4 million across 52 awards to entities across the state, supporting the continued growth of Maryland’s innovation ecosystem,” said Terry Rauh, chief finance and operations officer at TEDCO. “We are hopeful that these 14 awardees will continue to advance the innovation capabilities within their communities.”

What is the Makerspace Program?
Created through legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly, the Makerspace Program provides grants of up to $100,000 and technical assistance for qualified entities looking to establish a new Makerspace, expand an existing Makerspace, or develop Makerspace programming. The goal is to grow a state-wide community of Makerspaces that provides entrepreneurs with access to tools, technologies and knowledge to support their growth and development as well as expand workforce training.

“Out of 25 highly competitive applications, we are pleased to announce the support for the 2025 Makerspace Program awardees,” said Justin Ferguson, innovation manager for the Venture Development department. “We are excited to see the continued interest in Makerspace growth and development across the state.”

The 14 awardees for the 2025 Makerspace Program include:

  1. Allegany College of Maryland, located in Allegany County
  2. Chesapeake Arts Center, located in Anne Arundel County
  3. City Life Community Builders, located in Baltimore City
  4. Digital Harbor Foundation, Tech Lab, located in Baltimore City
  5. Inncuvate Community Development Partners, located in Prince George’s County
  6. Frederick Makerspace, located in Frederick County
  7. Makerspace of Annapolis, located in Anne Arundel County
  8. Maryland Assistive Technology Program, located in Baltimore City
  9. Players Philanthropy Fund (Code Super Powers), located in Prince George’s County
  10. Rockville Science Center, located in Montgomery County
  11. Salisbury University, Richard Bernstein Makerspace, located in Wicomico County
  12. St. Mary’s County Library, Lexington Park Branch, located in St. Mary’s County
  13. The SPACE: Free Art for All (E2Lab), located in Prince George’s County
  14. Washington College, The Innovation Plant, located in Kent County

For more information about TEDCO’s Makerspace Program, visit www.tedcomd.com/makerspace.

About TEDCO
TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, enhances economic empowerment growth through the fostering of an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. TEDCO identifies, invests in, and helps grow technology and life science-based companies in Maryland. Learn more at www.tedcomd.com.

Media Contact
Tammi Thomas, Chief Development & Marketing Officer, TEDCO, tthomas@tedcomd.com
Rachael Kalinyak, Associate Director, Marketing & Communications, TEDCO, rkalinyak@tedcomd.com

BioHealth Innovation, Inc. Welcomes Two New Members to Its Board of Directors, Amy Adams of GMU and Dr. Jessica Nadler of Deloitte

By News

BioHealth Innovation, Inc. (BHI), a leading public-private nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing healthcare innovation in the BioHealth Capital Region, is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: Amy Adams, Executive Director of the Institute for Biohealth Innovation at George Mason University, and Dr. Jessica Nadler, Managing Director at Deloitte. These new appointments reflect BHI’s continued commitment to building a diverse and strategically aligned leadership team to guide the organization’s mission of supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in the life sciences.

Amy Adams brings more than two decades of experience in higher education, with a deep focus on research, innovation, and workforce development. As Executive Director of the Institute for Biohealth Innovation at George Mason University, she leads the biohealth research and innovation efforts of over 300 faculty and plays a central role in developing Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District. Her work fosters partnerships across academia, industry, and government to accelerate biomedical innovation, support startups, and grow high-quality jobs across strategic sectors including life sciences, defense, and data infrastructure.

Dr. Jessica Nadler offers a wealth of expertise in data-informed health strategy, policy, and systems transformation. As a Managing Director at Deloitte, she helps shape the future of healthcare by focusing on translational medicine, patient-centered care, and public health portfolio strategy. Dr. Nadler’s background includes faculty service as a geneticist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a fellowship in Science & Technology Policy at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services through the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

“We are honored to welcome Amy and Jessica to the BHI Board,” said Rich Bendis, Founder, President, and CEO of BioHealth Innovation. “Each brings valuable perspectives and experience that will help us continue building bridges across academia, industry, and government. Their leadership will be instrumental as we grow BHI’s impact both regionally and nationally.”

BHI also thanks Juergen Klenk, Principal at Deloitte Consulting, LLP, for his valuable service on the Board and extends best wishes as he enters retirement. BHI also thanks Dr. Michael Friedlander, Vice President for Health Sciences and Technology at Virginia Tech, for his years of dedicated service as a member of the Board. His contributions have helped shape BHI’s strategic direction and foster deeper collaboration across the BioHealth Capital Region.

About BioHealth Innovation, Inc.
BioHealth Innovation, Inc. (BHI) is a public-private nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating biohealth (therapeutic, diagnostic, medtech, and health IT) commercialization in the BioHealth Capital Region (Maryland, DC, and Virginia). For more information, please visit www.BioHealthInnovation.org.

The BioHealth Capital Region Maintains Top 3 Spot in GEN’s 2025 U.S. Biopharma Cluster Rankings

By News

For the third consecutive year, the BioHealth Capital Region (BHCR), encompassing Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., has earned a Top 3 position in the highly regarded “Top 10 U.S. Biopharma Clusters” list by Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN).

Compiled annually by GEN Senior Business Editor Alex Philippidis, this national ranking evaluates five key indicators of biopharma ecosystem strength: NIH funding, venture capital, patents, lab space, and number of jobs. Despite a challenging economic environment, the BHCR continues to perform at a high level across multiple metrics. It ranks first in total biotechnology-related patents and third in both NIH funding and lab space.

While the region experienced modest declines in job numbers and venture capital funding, it continues to attract major investments and infrastructure development. Recent highlights include the opening of AstraZeneca’s $300 million cell therapy facility and MilliporeSigma’s $286 million biosafety testing site in Rockville, as well as the completion of the University of Maryland Baltimore’s 4MLK multitenant lab-office building. The upcoming Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology at the University of Virginia, alongside Virginia’s $14.3 million commitment to Project VITAL, signals ongoing regional momentum.

In the article, Alex notes that “The BioHealth Capital Region stayed in third place by leading the nation in patents… and placing third in lab space and NIH funding,” even amid economic headwinds. This consistency reinforces the region’s critical role in shaping the future of biotech innovation and public health infrastructure.

Alex Philippidis, the author of the GEN rankings, will return to the BioHealth Capital Region Forum on September 23rd to share insights on this year’s list and the trends shaping U.S. biopharma clusters.

To read the full article and explore all ten regions, visit https://www.genengnews.com/topics/drug-discovery/top-10-u-s-biopharma-clusters-2025/

Deka Biosciences Publishes New Data in Cell Reports Medicine, Announces Search for Combination Partners for DK210(EGFR)

By News

Germantown, MD — Deka Biosciences, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation cytokine therapies for cancer and inflammatory disease, announced the publication of a peer-reviewed manuscript in Cell Reports Medicine highlighting the unique mechanism of action behind its lead Diakine™ oncology asset, DK210 (EGFR).

This newly published research reveals how DK210 (EGFR), a tri-specific fusion protein, delivers potent anti-tumor activity with a favorable safety profile. With dose-finding studies in patients now complete, Deka is actively seeking combination partners to explore therapeutic synergies with T cell engagers (TCEs).

Key Mechanistic Highlights:

  • Tumor Targeting: DK210 (EGFR) binds EGFR to localize and retain activity at the tumor site.
  • Cytokine Balancing: The fusion of IL-10 with IL-2 reduces inflammation-driven toxicities, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and edema.
  • Immune Activation and Persistence: DK210 (EGFR) uncouples toxicity from immune activation, enabling persistent CD8+ T cell secretion of IFNγ, Granzyme B, and Perforin – critical elements of sustained anti-tumor response.

The full manuscript is available in Cell Reports Medicine, and a detailed overview of the mechanism, including visual data summaries, can be accessed at dekabiosciences.com/moa.

MaxCyte Announces Strategic Platform Licensing Agreement with Anocca AB to Advance TCR-T Cell Therapy Pipeline

By News

MaxCyte’s Flow Electroporation® Technology will support non-viral gene editing in the manufacture of Anocca’s TCR-T cell therapies

ROCKVILLE, Md., July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MaxCyte, Inc., (Nasdaq: MXCT), a leading, cell-engineering focused company providing enabling platform technologies to advance the discovery, development and commercialization of next-generation cell-based therapeutics, today announced the signing of a Strategic Platform License Agreement (SPL) with Anocca AB, a leading, clinical stage T-cell immunotherapy company. Anocca AB will deploy MaxCyte’s Flow Electroporation® technology and ExPERT™ platform to support the scalable development and manufacturing of its deep pipeline of T-cell receptor engineered T-cell (TCR-T) cell therapies.

Under the SPL, Anocca AB obtains non-exclusive research, clinical and commercial rights to use MaxCyte’s Flow Electroporation® technology and ExPERT™ platform. In return, MaxCyte is entitled to receive annual licensing fees and program-related revenue.

“We’re proud to partner with Anocca as they advance the development of TCR-T therapeutics through the clinic,” said Maher Masoud, President and CEO of MaxCyte. “We look forward to supporting Anocca with our globally supported, regulatory-proven platform and technical expertise to accelerate clinical manufacturing and cell engineering processes. Our ExPERT™ platform delivers the robust scalability and flexibility needed to power high-performance, non-viral gene editing workflows across Anocca’s diverse therapeutic pipeline.”

Anocca recently received GMP compliance certification and a manufacturing license from Swedish regulators for its cell therapy production facility, and its lead program, targeting mutant KRAS-driven advanced pancreatic cancer, is in clinical development. With the addition of MaxCyte’s ExPERT™ platform, Anocca acquires a high-quality, scalable, technology platform to enhance its ability to deliver gene-edited cell therapies.

About MaxCyte
At MaxCyte®, we are committed to building better cells together. As a leading cell-engineering company, we are driving the discovery, development and commercialization of next-generation cell therapies. Our best-in-class Flow Electroporation® technology and SeQure DX™ gene editing risk assessment services enable precise, efficient and scalable cell engineering. Supported by expert scientific, technical and regulatory guidance, our platform empowers researchers from around the world to engineer diverse cell types and payloads, accelerating the development of safe and effective treatments for human health. For more than 25 years, we’ve been advancing cell engineering, shaping the future of medicine. Learn more at maxcyte.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding our future results of operations or financial condition, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. These statements are inherently uncertain, and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely on these statements. Specifically, there is no assurance that MaxCyte will receive additional program-related revenue or other revenue under this SPL.

Risks and uncertainties related to our business are described in greater detail in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 11, 2025, as well as in discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in the other filings that we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including in our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on May 8, 2025. These documents are available through the Investor Menu, Financials section, under “SEC Filings” on the Investors page of our website at http://investors.maxcyte.com. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on our current beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject based on information available to us as of the date of such press release, and you should not rely on forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

MaxCyte Contacts:
US IR Adviser
Gilmartin Group
David Deuchler, CFA
+1 415-937-5400
ir@maxcyte.com

US Media Relations
Oak Street Communications
Kristen White
+1 415-608-6060
kristen@oakstreetcommunications.com

Supernus Pharmaceuticals Completes Acquisition of Sage Therapeutics

By News

Acquisition strengthens Supernus’ leading presence in neuropsychiatric conditions with an innovative commercial product, ZURZUVAE® (zuranolone), and a novel CNS discovery platform, accelerating mid- to long-term revenue and cash flow growth and further diversifying revenue base

ROCKVILLE, Md., July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: SUPN) (“Supernus”) today announced that it has successfully completed its previously announced acquisition of Sage Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SAGE) (“Sage”).

“Sage is an ideal fit in our corporate development strategy, adding a significant fourth growth product to our portfolio and further diversifying our sources of future revenue,” said Jack Khattar, President and CEO of Supernus Pharmaceuticals. “With our proven track record of strong commercial execution along with the expected cost synergies, the acquisition is expected to be accretive in 2026.”

Compelling Strategic Rationale

  • Strengthens psychiatry portfolio with ZURZUVAE® (zuranolone) capsules CIV, the first and only FDA-approved oral medicine indicated for the treatment of postpartum depression in adults.
  • Diversifies and increases revenue base and cash flow:
    • Addition of collaboration revenue from net sales of ZURZUVAE (50% of total net revenue Biogen, Inc. records for ZURZUVAE in the U.S. pursuant to a collaboration agreement), and
    • Combined with its three other growth products (Qelbree®, ONAPGO™, and GOCOVRI®), Supernus believes it is poised for significant future growth.
  • Augments Supernus central nervous system discovery platforms and expertise.
  • Strong fit with existing Supernus infrastructure is expected to result in cost synergies of up to $200 million on an annual basis.
  • The acquisition is expected to be accretive in 2026.

The Offer and the Merger

The Offer and withdrawal rights for all outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Shares”), of Sage in exchange for (i) $8.50 per Share, net to the seller in cash, subject to any withholding of taxes and without interest (the “Closing Amount”), plus (ii) one non-transferable and non-tradable contingent value right per Share (a “CVR”), which represents the right to receive up to $3.50 per Share upon the satisfaction of specified milestones (as described further in the Offer to Purchase), net to the seller in cash, without interest and subject to any withholding of taxes, pursuant to the CVR Agreement (the Closing Amount plus one CVR collectively, the “Offer Price”), expired as scheduled at one minute following 11:59 p.m., New York time, on July 30, 2025 (the “Expiration Time”).

Each CVR paid to Sage stockholders represents a non-transferable and non-tradable contractual contingent right to receive a cash payment of up to $3.50, net to the seller in cash, subject to any withholding of taxes and without interest, upon the achievement of certain milestones in accordance with the terms of the Contingent Value Rights Agreement entered into between Supernus and Equiniti Trust Company, LLC as rights agent, (the “CVR Agreement”).

One milestone payment of $0.50 per CVR, net to the seller in cash, subject to any withholding of taxes and without interest, is payable (subject to certain terms and conditions) upon the first commercial sale after Regulatory Approval (as defined in the CVR Agreement) in Japan to a third-party customer of the pharmaceutical product that is marketed in the United States under the name ZURZUVAE and is the subject of the current regulatory filing (including any amended filings based thereon) by Shionogi & Co., Ltd., inclusive of its affiliates, in Japan for Major Depressive Disorder by June 30, 2026.

A second milestone payment of $1.00 per CVR, net to the seller in cash, subject to any withholding of taxes and without interest, is payable (subject to certain terms and conditions) if Net Sales (as defined in the CVR Agreement) of ZURZUVAE are equal to or exceed $250 million in the United States during a calendar year on or prior to December 31, 2027.

A third milestone payment of $1.00 per CVR, net to the seller in cash, subject to any withholding of taxes and without interest, is payable (subject to certain terms and conditions) if Net Sales (as defined in the CVR Agreement) of ZURZUVAE are equal to or exceed $300 million in the U.S. during a calendar year on or prior to December 31, 2028.

A fourth milestone payment of $1.00 per CVR, net to the seller in cash, subject to any withholding of taxes and without interest, is payable (subject to certain terms and conditions) if Net Sales (as defined in the CVR Agreement) of ZURZUVAE are equal to or exceed $375 million in the U.S. during a calendar year on or prior to December 31, 2030.

Each milestone may only be achieved once. The maximum amount payable with respect to the CVR issued in respect to each Share is $3.50 in the aggregate. There can be no assurance any payments will be made with respect to any CVR. It is possible that no milestone is achieved and no payment is made with respect to the CVRs.

Equiniti Trust Company, LLC, the depositary for the Offer, has advised Supernus that a total of 36,313,509 Shares were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn in the Offer, representing approximately 58 percent of the Shares outstanding.

All of the conditions of the Offer have been satisfied, and effective as of the Expiration Time, Supernus and its wholly owned subsidiary, Saphire, Inc. (“Purchaser”), accepted for payment all Shares that were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn in the Offer, and will as promptly as practicable thereafter pay for all such validly tendered Shares. Following the completion of the Offer, Supernus completed the acquisition of Sage through the merger of Purchaser with and into Sage, without a vote of Sage stockholders in accordance with Section 251(h) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“DGCL”), with Sage surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Supernus. In connection with the merger, each Share not previously purchased in the Offer (other than (i) Shares held by Sage (or held in Sage’s treasury) immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, (ii) any Shares held by Supernus or Purchaser or any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Supernus or Purchaser immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, or (iii) Shares held by any stockholder who was entitled to appraisal rights under Section 262 of the DGCL and properly exercised and perfected their respective demands for appraisal of such Shares pursuant to Section 262 of the DGCL and, as of the effective time of the merger, has neither effectively withdrawn nor lost their rights to such appraisal and payment under the DGCL with respect to such Shares) was converted into the right to receive the Offer Price, less any applicable withholding taxes and without interest. The Shares will be delisted from the Nasdaq Global Market.

Advisors

Moelis & Company LLC acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Supernus. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Sage. Saul Ewing LLP served as legal counsel to Supernus. Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel to Sage.

About Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Supernus Pharmaceuticals (the Company) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing products for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases.

Our diverse neuroscience portfolio includes approved treatments for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients receiving levodopa-based therapy, hypomobility in PD, postpartum depression (PPD), epilepsy, migraine, cervical dystonia, and chronic sialorrhea. We are developing a broad range of novel product candidates for CNS disorders.

For more information, please visit www.supernus.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements. These statements do not convey historical information but relate to predicted or potential future events that are based upon management’s current expectations. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. In addition to the factors mentioned in this press release, such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company’s ability to sustain and increase its profitability; the Company’s ability to raise sufficient capital to fully implement its corporate strategy; the implementation of the Company’s corporate strategy; the Company’s future financial performance and projected expenditures; the Company’s ability to increase the number of prescriptions written for each of its products, the products of its subsidiaries and products acquired through the acquisition of Sage; the Company’s ability to increase its net revenue from its products, the products of its subsidiaries and products acquired through the acquisition of Sage; the Company’s ability to commercialize its products, the products of its subsidiaries and products acquired through the acquisition of Sage; the Company’s ability to enter into future collaborations with pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions or to obtain funding from government agencies; the Company’s product research and development activities, including the timing and progress of the Company’s clinical trials, and projected expenditures; the Company’s ability to receive, and the timing of any receipt of, regulatory approvals to develop and commercialize the Company’s product candidates; the Company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and the intellectual property of its subsidiaries and operate its business without infringing upon the intellectual property rights of others; the Company’s expectations regarding federal, state and foreign regulatory requirements; the therapeutic benefits, effectiveness and safety of the Company’s product candidates; the accuracy of the Company’s estimates of the size and characteristics of the markets that may be addressed by its product candidates; the Company’s ability to increase its manufacturing capabilities for its products and product candidates; the Company’s projected markets and growth in markets; the Company’s product formulations and patient needs and potential funding sources; the Company’s staffing needs; and other risk factors set forth from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission made pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company undertakes no obligation to update the information in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

CONTACTS:

Jack A. Khattar, President and CEO
Timothy C. Dec, Senior Vice President and CFO
Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(301) 838-2591

INVESTOR CONTACT:

Peter Vozzo
ICR Healthcare
(443) 213-0505
peter.vozzo@icrhealthcare.com

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