On July 21, 2022 Gritstone bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: GRTS), a clinical-stage biotechnology company that aims to develop the world’s most potent vaccines, reported it has entered into an $80 million credit facility with Hercules Capital, Inc. (NYSE: HTGC) and Silicon Valley Bank (Press release, Gritstone Oncology, JUL 21, 2022, View Source [SID1234616848]).
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"This non-dilutive facility enhances our financial flexibility as we enter a period of multiple potential value-creating milestones for Gritstone," said Andrew Allen, M.D., Ph.D., Co-founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Gritstone. "We anticipate several data readouts over the next 18 months, beginning with our SLATE-KRAS product candidate later this quarter. We believe our self-amplifying mRNA (samRNA) platform is an attractive asset with great utility across both oncology and a wide array of infectious diseases. We hope to continue unlocking its value in infectious diseases with data from our CORAL program later this year. Establishing this facility reduces our dependence on the capital markets and enables us to focus on executing against our clinical, operational, and strategic goals."
Under the terms of the $80 million credit facility, $20 million was drawn at closing with an additional $10 million available for drawdown by March 15, 2023. The remaining $50 million becomes available in tranches through June 15, 2024, upon achievement of certain milestones by Gritstone. Gritstone is under no obligation to draw funds in the future, and there are no warrants associated with the transaction.
"We are excited to secure this customized credit facility with favorable terms amidst the current market environment," said Celia Economides, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Gritstone. "We believe this $80 million credit facility reflects the significant value inherent in our innovative platform and, together with capital conservation measures we’ve implemented, meaningfully extends our cash runway."
"Hercules is pleased to partner with Gritstone as it advances its clinical stage programs and continues expanding its footprint in infectious diseases," stated Himani Bhalla, Managing Director at Hercules Capital. "This credit facility aims to help Gritstone deliver its novel vaccines to improve patient outcomes and eliminate disease and is yet another example of Hercules’ capabilities to support innovative growth-stage life science companies," said Cristy Barnes, Managing Director at Hercules Capital.
"We are delighted to work with Hercules and support Gritstone’s continued growth and innovative platform in developing powerful vaccines and treating, and preventing, cancer and infectious diseases," said Michael White, Managing Director at Silicon Valley Bank.
Capital Advisors Group served as Gritstone’s financial advisor in connection with the credit facility.
Additional details of the loan agreement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on a Current Report on Form 8-K.