MAIA Biotechnology Announces $1.51 Million Private Placement

Rhea-AI Summary

MAIA Biotechnology (NYSE American: MAIA) entered definitive agreements for a private placement of 1,233,488 shares of common stock at $1.224 per share and accompanying warrants to buy one share at an exercise price of $1.36.

The warrants become exercisable six months after issuance, expire three years from issuance, and the offering is expected to close on or about December 18, 2025. Gross proceeds are expected to be approximately $1.51 million prior to offering expenses. The company intends to use net proceeds to fund Step 1 of Part C of the Phase II THIO-101 trial and for working capital.

Positive

• Gross proceeds of approximately $1.51 million
• Proceeds designated to fund Step 1, Part C of Phase II THIO-101
• Warrants exercisable after six months, providing delayed cash upside

Negative

• Issuance of 1,233,488 shares increases share count and dilution
• Warrants exercisable for three years add potential long-term share overhang
• Securities unregistered under the Securities Act, limited resale options

Key Figures

Shares sold 1,233,488 shares Common stock in Dec 16, 2025 private placement

Purchase price $1.224 per share Private placement share price

Warrant exercise price $1.36 per share Exercise price for accompanying warrants

Gross proceeds $1.51 million Expected gross proceeds before expenses

Warrant term 3 years Duration from issuance date

Warrant start 6 months after issuance When warrants become exercisable

Trial step funded Step 1 of Part C Phase II THIO‑101 trial funding target

Pre-news price $1.35 Current price vs $1.224 placement level

Market Reality Check

$1.23 Last Close

Volume Volume 651,469 is below the 20-day average (0.72x normal activity). normal

Technical Price $1.35 is trading below the 200-day MA at $1.59 and ~51% under the 52-week high.

Peers on Argus 1 Up

MAIA slipped 0.74% while close biotech peers were mixed: several down 5–8%, one up over 50%, and scanner activity only flagged QNTM moving up. This points to stock-specific factors around the financing rather than a broad sector move.

Historical Context

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 11	Phase 3 initiation	Positive	+18.8%	Pivotal Phase 3 ateganosine trial launch with Fast Track status in NSCLC.
Dec 11	Clinical trial update	Positive	+18.8%	First patient dosed in THIO‑104 Phase 3 trial with OS primary endpoint.
Dec 11	Insider buying, pipeline	Positive	+18.8%	Directors and officers reported significant insider purchases and clinical progress.
Dec 10	Market opportunity	Positive	+2.2%	Outlined ateganosine’s potential in large NSCLC and immunotherapy markets.
Dec 01	Insider purchases	Positive	+1.7%	CEO and directors bought shares in open market alongside positive THIO‑101 data.

Pattern Detected

Recent MAIA news—clinical progress and insider buying—has consistently coincided with positive next-day price reactions.

Recent Company History

Over the last few weeks, MAIA highlighted ateganosine’s advance, including a pivotal Phase 3 trial initiation and FDA Fast Track designation, with multiple releases on Dec 10–11, 2025 tied to NSCLC. These updates, plus insider open‑market purchases around $1.06 per share and favorable Phase 2 THIO‑101 data, all saw positive one‑day moves between 1.69% and 18.84%. Today’s financing to fund THIO‑101 Step 1 Part C extends that same development focus.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement details a $1.51 million private placement at $1.224 per share, each with a warrant at $1.36, aimed at funding Step 1 of Part C of the Phase II THIO‑101 trial and working capital. It continues a series of small, trial-focused raises. Investors may watch how frequently MAIA uses such structures, the progress of THIO‑101, and how pricing compares to the prevailing share price around $1.35.

Key Terms

private placement financial

"at a purchase price of $1.224 per share, in a private placement to accredited"

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.

warrant financial

"Each share of common stock is being offered together with a warrant to purchase"

A warrant is a time-limited financial contract that gives its holder the right to buy a company's shares at a set price before a specified date, like a coupon that lets you purchase stock at a fixed discount for a limited time. It matters to investors because warrants offer leveraged exposure to a stock’s upside and can dilute existing shareholders if exercised, so they affect potential gains and the company’s outstanding share count.

exercise price financial

"a warrant to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price of $1.36"

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

"offered 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/or Regulation D promulgated thereunder and, along with the shares"

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.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

CHICAGO, IL, Dec. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MAIA Biotechnology, Inc., (NYSE American: MAIA) (“MAIA”, the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing targeted immunotherapies for cancer, today announced that it has entered into definitive agreements for the purchase and sale of an aggregate of 1,233,488 shares of common stock at a purchase price of $1.224 per share, in a private placement to accredited investors and a Company director. Each share of common stock is being offered together with a warrant to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price of $1.36 per share, which price represents the “Minimum Price” as defined under NYSE American Rule 713 (subject to customary adjustments as set forth in the warrants). The warrants are exercisable commencing six-months following issuance and have a term of three years from the issuance date. The securities being sold to the Company director participating in the offering are being issued pursuant to the Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan. The private placement is expected to close on or about December 18, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

The gross proceeds from the offering are expected to be approximately $1.51 million, prior to offering expenses payable by the Company. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for to fund the execution of Step 1 of Part C of the Phase II trial THIO -101 and for working capital.

The securities described above are being offered in a private placement under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and/or Regulation D promulgated thereunder and, along with the shares of common stock underlying the warrants, have not been registered under the Securities Act, or applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, the warrants and underlying shares of common stock may not be offered or sold 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.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

About MAIA Biotechnology, Inc.

MAIA is a targeted therapy, immuno-oncology company focused on the development and commercialization of potential first-in-class drugs with novel mechanisms of action that are intended to meaningfully improve and extend the lives of people with cancer. Our lead program is ateganosine (THIO), a potential first-in-class cancer telomere targeting agent in clinical development for the treatment of NSCLC patients with telomerase-positive cancer cells. For more information, please visit www.maiabiotech.com.

Forward Looking Statements

MAIA cautions that all statements, other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels or activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those anticipated by such statements. The use of words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “future,” “potential,” or “continue,” and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that statements are not forward-looking. For example, all statements we make regarding (i) completion of the private placement, (ii) the initiation, timing, cost, progress and results of our preclinical and clinical studies and our research and development programs, (iii) our ability to advance product candidates into, and successfully complete, clinical studies, (iv) the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals, (v) our ability to develop, manufacture and commercialize our product candidates and to improve the manufacturing process, (vi) the rate and degree of market acceptance of our product candidates, (vii) the size and growth potential of the markets for our product candidates and our ability to serve those markets, and (viii) our expectations regarding our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for our product candidates, are forward looking. All forward-looking statements are based on current estimates, assumptions and expectations by our management that, although we believe to be reasonable, are inherently uncertain. Any forward-looking statement expressing an expectation or belief as to future events is expressed in good faith and believed to be reasonable at the time such forward-looking statement is made. However, these statements are not guarantees of future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors beyond our control that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. In this release, unless the context requires otherwise, “MAIA,” “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refers to MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Investor Relations Contact
+1 (872) 270-3518
ir@maiabiotech.com

FAQ

What did MAIA (MAIA) announce on December 16, 2025?

MAIA announced a private placement of 1,233,488 shares with warrants, expected to raise about $1.51 million.

How much is MAIA raising in the December 2025 private placement?

The offering is expected to generate approximately $1.51 million in gross proceeds before expenses.

What are the warrant terms in MAIA's private placement?

Each share is sold with a warrant to buy one share at $1.36, exercisable six months after issuance for three years.

What will MAIA use the net proceeds from the private placement for?

The company intends to fund Step 1 of Part C of the Phase II THIO-101 trial and for working capital.

When is MAIA's private placement expected to close?

The private placement is expected to close on or about December 18, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.