Aprea Therapeutics Announces Closing of Oversubscribed $30 Million Private Placement

Rhea-AI Summary

Aprea Therapeutics (Nasdaq: APRE) closed an oversubscribed private placement, raising approximately $30 million in gross proceeds on March 31, 2026. The financing included pre-funded warrants to purchase ~37.2 million shares and warrants for ~37.2 million shares with a $0.683 exercise price expiring Dec 31, 2029.

The company said it will use net proceeds for general corporate purposes and R&D to support APR-1051 development, expand the ACESOT-1051 study, and enroll at least 50 patients in uterine serous carcinoma and cyclin E-overexpressing platinum-resistant ovarian cancer cohorts.

Positive

• Raised approximately $30 million in oversubscribed private placement
• Financing led by institutional biotech investors including Soleus Capital
• Net proceeds earmarked for R&D and general corporate purposes
• Planned enrollment of at least 50 patients in selected APR-1051 cohorts

Negative

• Issued pre-funded warrants for ~37.2 million shares (potential dilution)
• Issued warrants for ~37.2 million shares at $0.683 exercise price

News Market Reaction – APRE

-7.75%

11 alerts

-7.75% News Effect

+6.0% Peak Tracked

-17.0% Trough Tracked

-$734K Valuation Impact

$8.74M Market Cap

0.7x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, APRE declined 7.75%, reflecting a notable negative market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +6.0% during that session. Argus tracked a trough of -17.0% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 11 alerts that day, indicating notable trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $734K from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $8.74M at that time.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Private placement size: $30 million Pre-funded warrants: 37.2 million Common stock warrants: 37.2 million +4 more

7 metrics

Private placement size $30 million Total gross proceeds before fees from March 31, 2026 closing

Pre-funded warrants 37.2 million Pre-funded warrants to purchase common shares sold in offering

Common stock warrants 37.2 million Additional warrants to purchase common shares issued

Pre-funded price $0.808 minus $0.001 Purchase price per pre-funded warrant

Warrant exercise price $0.683 per share Exercise price of common stock warrants

Warrant expiry December 31, 2029 Outside expiration date for common stock warrants

Planned enrollment At least 50 patients USC and PROC cohorts in APR-1051 ACESOT-1051 study

Market Reality Check

Price: $0.6968 Vol: Volume 626,700 is near th...

normal vol

$0.6968 Last Close

Volume Volume 626,700 is near the 20-day average of 596,089 (relative volume 1.05). normal

Technical Shares trade below the 200-day MA of 1.25 with a pre-news price of 0.7799, well under the prior trend level.

Peers on Argus

Momentum scanner data flagged the stock moving down without any peers in momentu...

Momentum scanner data flagged the stock moving down without any peers in momentum, while broader biotech peers show a mix of gains and losses, suggesting this financing-driven setup is stock-specific rather than a sector trend.

Previous Private placement Reports

3 past events · Latest: Mar 30 (Neutral)

Same Type Pattern 3 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Mar 30	Private placement financing	Neutral	+8.2%	Announced oversubscribed private placement to raise about $30M via warrants.
Jan 29	Private placement financing	Neutral	-22.8%	Announced $5.6M private placement with shares/pre-funded and common warrants.
Dec 09	Private placement financing	Neutral	-10.8%	Announced $3.1M at-the-market private placement with five-year warrants.

Pattern Detected

Private placement headlines have produced mixed, often negative, reactions, with an average move of about -8.46% around these financings.

Recent Company History

Over the past few months, Aprea has repeatedly used private placements to fund development of WEE1 inhibitor APR-1051. Deals in Dec 2025, Jan 2026, and an oversubscribed $30 million round on Mar 30, 2026 all combined pre-funded and common warrants. Price reactions around these financings have been volatile, with both sharp declines and gains, while funds were directed toward R&D and extending cash runway, providing the backdrop for the current closing announcement.

Historical Comparison

-8.5% avg move · In the past year, Aprea issued 3 private placement announcements averaging a -8.46% move. Today’s cl...

private placement

-8.5%

Average Historical Move private placement

In the past year, Aprea issued 3 private placement announcements averaging a -8.46% move. Today’s closing of the oversubscribed $30M deal follows that pattern of financing-driven volatility.

Private placements have scaled from $3.1M to $5.6M and now $30M, consistently funding APR-1051 development and extending cash runway.

Regulatory & Risk Context

Active S-3 Shelf

Shelf Active

Active S-3 Shelf Registration 2026-03-17

An active S-3/A shelf dated Mar 17, 2026 is effective, with at least one usage via a 424B3 filing on Mar 19, 2026 to register resale shares from a prior private placement. The amendment filing indicates no change to prospectus terms beyond an updated auditor consent, but the effective shelf provides a framework for future registered resales or offerings.

Market Pulse Summary

The stock moved -7.8% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite the oversubscr...

Analysis

The stock moved -7.8% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite the oversubscribed $30 million raise fits the mixed pattern seen around prior private placements, which averaged about -8.46% moves. Historically, financing headlines have sometimes led to sharp drawdowns as investors focused on dilution and warrant overhang. The existing effective shelf and sizable new warrant pool may reinforce concerns about future equity supply, while longer-term sentiment has tended to hinge on APR-1051 clinical updates rather than on financing structure alone.

Key Terms

private placement, pre-funded warrants, warrants, exercise price, +4 more

8 terms

private placement financial

"announced the closing of its previously announced oversubscribed private placement financing."

A private placement is a way for companies to raise money by selling securities directly to a small group of investors instead of through a public offering. This process is often quicker and less regulated, making it similar to offering a special, exclusive investment opportunity to select individuals or institutions. For investors, it can provide access to unique investment options that are not available on public markets.

pre-funded warrants financial

"the Company sold (i) pre-funded warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 37.2 million shares"

Pre-funded warrants are financial instruments that give investors the right to purchase a company's stock at a set price, but with most or all of the purchase price paid upfront. They function like a coupon or gift card for stock, allowing investors to buy shares later at a fixed price, which can be beneficial if they want to avoid future price increases. This makes them important for investors seeking flexibility and certainty in their investment plans.

warrants financial

"and (ii) warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 37.2 million shares of common stock."

Warrants are special documents that give you the right to buy a company's stock at a set price before a certain date. They are often used as a way for companies to attract investors or raise money, and their value can increase if the company's stock price goes up.

exercise price financial

"The warrants have an exercise price of $0.683 per share, are exercisable immediately"

The exercise price is the fixed amount at which you can buy or sell an asset, like a stock, when using an options contract. It matters because it helps determine whether exercising the option will be profitable or not, depending on the current market price. Think of it as the set price you agree on today to buy or sell later.

Section 4(a)(2) regulatory

"made in a private placement under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933"

Section 4(a)(2) is a part of U.S. securities laws that allows companies to sell their stock directly to certain investors without registering the sale with regulators. This process is often used for private placements, making it easier and faster for companies to raise money from knowledgeable or institutional investors. It matters to investors because it provides an alternative way to buy shares, often with fewer disclosures and lower costs.

Regulation D regulatory

"and Regulation D promulgated thereunder, and the securities have not been registered"

Regulation D is a set of rules that govern how companies can raise money from investors without going through the full process required for public stock offerings. It provides simplified options for private placements, making it easier for companies to seek investments from a smaller group of investors. For investors, it offers opportunities to invest in private companies, often with fewer restrictions, but also with different levels of risk and disclosure.

registration statement regulatory

"The Company has agreed to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission"

A registration statement is a formal document that companies file with a government agency to offer new shares of stock to the public. It provides essential information about the company's finances, operations, and risks, helping investors make informed decisions. Think of it as a detailed product description that ensures transparency and trust before buying into a company.

prospectus regulatory

"Any offering of the securities under the resale registration statement will only be made by means of a prospectus."

A prospectus is a detailed document that explains a company's plans for offering new shares or investments to the public. It’s important because it provides potential investors with key information about the company’s business, risks, and how they might make money, helping them decide whether to invest. Think of it as a guidebook for understanding what you're buying into.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Funding will support ongoing development of APR-1051, including expansion into selected patient populations where WEE1 mechanism is well suited

DOYLESTOWN, Pa., April 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aprea Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: APRE) (“Aprea”, or the “Company”), a clinical-stage precision medicine oncology company focused on the discovery and development of targeted therapies for patients with biomarker-defined cancers, today announced the closing of its previously announced oversubscribed private placement financing. Total gross proceeds from the offering are approximately $30 million to the Company before deducting placement agent fees and other private placement expenses (the “Offering”). The Offering closed on March 31, 2026. The Company intends to use the upfront net proceeds for general corporate purposes and for research and development expenses.

The private placement was led by Soleus Capital with participation from other new investors, including Vestal Point Capital and Squadron Capital Management, existing investors and certain insiders of the Company.

In connection with the Offering the Company sold (i) pre-funded warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 37.2 million shares of common stock (“Pre-Funded Warrants”), for a purchase price equal to $0.808, minus $0.001 per Pre-Funded Warrant, and (ii) warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 37.2 million shares of common stock. The warrants have an exercise price of $0.683 per share, are exercisable immediately upon issuance, and expire on December 31, 2029, or will be forfeited 30 calendar days after a holder exercises their Pre-Funded Warrants, proportional to the amount so exercised.

“This transformational financing is a significant commitment by top-tier biotech investors who believe in the potential of APR1-1051 to impact the lives of cancer patients,” said Oren Gilad, Ph.D., President and CEO of Aprea. “We believe the proceeds will accelerate the advancement of the ongoing ACESOT-1051 study. Our immediate goal is to expand evaluation of APR-1051 in biologically selected tumor populations where we believe WEE1 inhibition may have meaningful therapeutic relevance. We plan to enroll at least 50 patients with uterine serous carcinoma (USC) and cyclin E-overexpressing, platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC). We believe this strategy will sharpen the clinical development path for APR-1051 and accelerate insight generation in biomarker-defined patient populations most likely to benefit from WEE1 inhibition.”

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. acted as the lead placement agent for the private placement. Maxim Group LLC acted as co-lead placement agent for the private placement.

The offer and sale of the foregoing securities were made in a private placement under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Regulation D promulgated thereunder, and the securities have not been registered under the Securities Act or applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, the securities may not be reoffered or resold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and such applicable state securities laws. The Company has agreed to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission registering the resale of the securities purchased in the private placement.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state. Any offering of the securities under the resale registration statement will only be made by means of a prospectus.

About Aprea

Aprea is a clinical-stage precision medicine oncology company focused on the discovery and development of targeted therapies for patients with biomarker-defined cancers. The Company is pioneering a new approach to treat cancer by exploiting vulnerabilities associated with cancer cell mutations. This approach was developed to kill tumors while minimizing the effect on normal, healthy cells. Aprea’s technology has potential applications across multiple cancer types, enabling it to target a range of tumors, including ovarian, endometrial, colorectal and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The company’s lead programs are APR-1051, an oral, small-molecule inhibitor of WEE1 kinase, and ATRN-119, a small molecule ATR inhibitor, both in clinical development for solid tumor indications. For more information, please visit the company website at www.aprea.com.

The Company may use, and intends to use, its investor relations website at https://ir.aprea.com/ as a means of disclosing material nonpublic information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD.

Forward-Looking Statement

Certain information contained in this press release includes “forward-looking statements”, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended related to our study analyses, clinical trials, regulatory submissions, and projected cash position. We may, in some cases use terms such as “future,” “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “continue,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “targeting,” “confidence,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “likely,” “will,” “should” or other words that convey uncertainty of the future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of our management team and on information currently available to management that involve risks, potential changes in circumstances, assumptions, and uncertainties. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our ability to develop, commercialize, and achieve market acceptance of our current and planned products and services, our research and development efforts, including timing considerations and other matters regarding our business strategies, use of capital, results of operations and financial position, and plans and objectives for future operations. Any or all of the forward-looking statements may turn out to be wrong or be affected by inaccurate assumptions we might make or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the private placement and related transactions, market and other conditions, as well as other factors described under “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in the documents we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. For all these reasons, actual results and developments could be materially different from those expressed in or implied by our forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are made only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update such forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by law.

Investor Contact:
Mike Moyer
LifeSci Advisors
mmoyer@lifesciadvisors.com

FAQ

What did APRE announce about the private placement closed on March 31, 2026?

Aprea announced an oversubscribed private placement raising approximately $30 million. According to the company, proceeds will fund general corporate purposes and R&D to advance APR-1051 clinical development.

How many warrants and pre-funded warrants did APRE issue in the April 1, 2026 offering?

The company sold pre-funded warrants for about 37.2 million shares and warrants for about 37.2 million shares. According to the company, warrants expire on Dec 31, 2029.

What is the exercise price and key terms of the warrants in APRE's private placement?

Warrants have an exercise price of $0.683 per share and are exercisable immediately. According to the company, they expire Dec 31, 2029 and can be forfeited 30 days after pre-funded warrant exercise.

How will APRE use the net proceeds from the $30 million financing (APRE)?

Aprea intends to use net proceeds for general corporate purposes and research and development expenses. According to the company, funds will support APR-1051 clinical advancement and trial expansion.

What clinical expansion does APRE plan for APR-1051 after the financing?

Aprea plans to expand the ACESOT-1051 study and enroll at least 50 patients in uterine serous carcinoma and cyclin E-overexpressing platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. According to the company, this targets biomarker-defined populations.

Who led the private placement for APRE and which placement agents participated?

The financing was led by Soleus Capital with participation from Vestal Point Capital and Squadron Capital Management. According to the company, Oppenheimer acted as lead placement agent and Maxim Group as co-lead.