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NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: NRXP) Announces Advance of $5 Million Milestone Payment from Partners Alvogen, Inc. and Lotus Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (1975.TW)

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NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NRXP) advances NRX-101 through registrational trials with a $5 million milestone payment from partners Alvogen, Inc. and Lotus Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. The company remains eligible for up to $324 million in future milestones and double-digit royalties upon approval. The payment extends NRx's cash runway.
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The immediate receipt of a $5 million milestone payment by NRx Pharmaceuticals, as part of its partnership with Alvogen, Inc. and Lotus Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., signifies a positive liquidity event for the company. The capital infusion is crucial for advancing NRX-101, a novel NMDA-antagonist drug, through the next phase of clinical development. Given the high costs associated with clinical trials, such funding is vital for maintaining momentum in drug development without resorting to dilutive financing methods that could adversely affect shareholder value.

Furthermore, the agreement terms, including the potential for an additional $320 million in development and sales milestones, along with tiered royalty payments, provide a clear financial incentive structure tied to the drug's regulatory progress and market success. This could potentially lead to significant future revenue streams for NRx Pharmaceuticals, contingent on the successful development and commercialization of NRX-101.

However, the issuance of 4.1 million warrants to Alvogen and Lotus at a strike price of $0.40 introduces a potential dilution risk for current shareholders. The exercise of these warrants could lead to a decrease in earnings per share if the company's stock price appreciates. Investors should monitor the company's share price relative to the strike price of the warrants to assess the dilution impact.

NRX-101's advancement into later stages of clinical trials is significant for the field of psychopharmacology, where NMDA-antagonist drugs are being explored for their potential to treat bipolar depression with suicidality—a condition with limited effective treatments. The focus on NRX-101's development reflects a strategic move by NRx Pharmaceuticals to position itself within a niche yet critical therapeutic area.

Successful phase 2 meetings with the FDA are pivotal for the drug's future, as positive outcomes can lead to phase 3 trials, which are the final steps before seeking FDA approval. The commitment of Alvogen and Lotus to fund future development and commercialization costs underscores the potential they see in NRX-101, which is encouraging for stakeholders invested in the success of this treatment option.

It is important to note that while NRX-101's progression is promising, the path from clinical trials to market approval is fraught with uncertainty. Efficacy and safety data, regulatory hurdles and market competition are all factors that could influence the drug's commercial viability. Stakeholders should remain cognizant of these risks as NRx Pharmaceuticals continues its clinical development.

  • Companies continue to work collaboratively to advance NRX-101 through registrational trials
  • NRx remains eligible for an additional $324 million in development and sales milestones, as well as tiered double-digit royalties upon approval and commercialization of NRX-101.
  • Payment materially extends the Company's cash runway

RADNOR, Pa., Feb. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: NRXP) ("NRx Pharmaceuticals", the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, today announced the advance of the first $5 million milestone payment based on the Company's partnership agreement with Alvogen, Inc. and Lotus Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (1975.TW).

Under the terms of the updated agreement, the Company will immediately receive $5 million of the first milestone, which NRx will use to fund development of NRX-101 through the phase 2 meeting with FDA. As compensation for advancing the milestone, Alvogen and Lotus will receive 4.1 million warrants to purchase the Company's common stock, at a strike price of $0.40 with a three (3) year term.  The second portion of the milestone will be $4 million and, as before, be triggered by a positive response to the Company's planned end of phase 2 meeting with FDA. 

NRx then remains eligible to receive up to $320 million in future development and sales milestones, as well as royalty payments escalating to mid-teen percentages on Net Sales, subject to achievement of certain sales volumes.  Additionally, Alvogen and Lotus will be responsible for future development and commercialization costs for NRX-101 in treatment of bipolar depression with suicidality.

"In a market environment where biotech companies have been increasingly challenged to fund clinical development, we appreciate the confidence of partners that share our view that NMDA-antagonist drugs potentially represent a new and potent class of medicines to treat bipolar depression with suicidality. Over the past six months, NRx, Lotus, and Alvogen have formed a close working relationship and we share a joint commitment to bringing this potentially life-saving drug to patients." said Stephen Willard, Chief Executive Officer of NRx Pharmaceuticals.

About NRx Pharmaceuticals
NRx Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutics based on its NMDA platform for the treatment of central nervous system disorders, specifically suicidal bipolar depression, chronic pain and PTSD. The Company is developing NRX-101, an FDA-designated investigational Breakthrough Therapy for suicidal treatment-resistant bipolar depression and chronic pain. NRx has partnered with Alvogen and Lotus around the development and marketing of NRX-101 for the treatment of suicidal bipolar depression. NRX-101 additionally has potential to act as a non-opioid treatment for chronic pain, as well as a treatment for complicated UTI.

NRx has recently announced plans to submit a New Drug Application for NRX-100 (IV ketamine) in the treatment of suicidal depression, based on results of well-controlled clinical trials conducted under the auspices of the US National Institutes of Health and newly obtained data from French health authorities, licensed under a data sharing agreement. NRx was awarded Fast Track Designation for development of ketamine (NRX-100) by the US FDA as part of a protocol to treat patients with acute suicidality.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement of NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our financial outlook, product development, business prospects, and market and industry trends and conditions, as well as the Company's strategies, plans, objectives, and goals. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs, expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections of, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company's management. 

The Company assumes no obligation to revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Accordingly, you should not place reliance on any forward-looking statement, and all forward-looking statements are herein qualified by reference to the cautionary statements set forth above.

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SOURCE NRx Pharmaceuticals

FAQ

What milestone payment did NRx Pharmaceuticals receive?

NRx Pharmaceuticals received a $5 million milestone payment from partners Alvogen, Inc. and Lotus Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

What are the future milestones NRx Pharmaceuticals is eligible for?

NRx Pharmaceuticals is eligible for up to $324 million in future development and sales milestones.

What are the royalties NRx Pharmaceuticals will receive upon approval?

NRx Pharmaceuticals will receive tiered double-digit royalties upon approval and commercialization of NRX-101.

Who will be responsible for future development and commercialization costs for NRX-101?

Alvogen and Lotus will be responsible for future development and commercialization costs for NRX-101.

NRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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