Psyence Group Inc (CSE: PSYG / OTCQB: PYSGF), a life science biotechnology company pioneering the use of natural psilocybin in mental health and well-being, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a brokered subscription agreement with Cantheon Capital, LLC (“Cantheon”). Cantheon, a fund focussed on listed biotech stocks with near term catalysts, will invest an aggregate amount of USD $1,393,750 (payable in two equal tranches) to fund Psyence’s clinical trial in Australia, which will be conducted through recently announced Contract Research Organization (CRO) partner iNGENū Pty Ltd. (“iNGENū”). The proceeds from the subscription will help fund the design and conduct of Psyence’s Phase IIb clinical trial using a natural psilocybin drug candidate PEX010, in the palliative care setting.
“We are delighted to receive investment from Cantheon to fund our first clinical trial in the context of palliative care. This funding will enable us to progress this trial as expeditiously as possible. In addition to the commitment from Cantheon, we will be able to take advantage of the Australian Federal Government’s Research & Development tax incentive program which will provide up to a 43.5% rebate on our research and development expenses in Australia.”
Neil Maresky, CEO of Psyence Group
William Cronin, General Partner of Cantheon Capital commented, “The opportunity to work with Dr. Maresky and the entire Psyence team has been a complete validation of why we established Cantheon. Psyence’s aim of improving the mental health of those so desperately in need, using new treatment modalities, fits completely with our investment mandate and thesis. We look forward to working with this great team for many years to come.”
Cantheon has subscribed for a number of units in the Company (each a “Unit”) in two equal tranches, at an aggregate price of USD$1,393,750. Each Unit shall consist of one common share of the Company (each a “Common Share”) and a half (½) warrant to purchase Common Shares in the capital of the Company (each full warrant (i.e two (½) warrants) referred to as a “Warrant”).
The tranches of the investment will be triggered by two operational events in connection with the trial, the first being payment by the Company of the first clinical trial commencement invoice and the second being payment of the invoice related to the first patient enrolments. Common Shares will be issued at CAD$0.12 per Common Share in respect of the first tranche of investment. Common Shares issued in connection with the second tranche of investment, subject to the applicable trigger event, will be issued at a price equal to the volume weighted average price of the Company’s common shares over the previous five (5) trading days as quoted on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE), less a discount of 20%, provided that the issue price shall not be less than CAD$0.12.
The Units include a number of Warrants to be determined in accordance with the number of Units issued in respect of each tranche of investment, with an exercise price equal to a 25% premium on the Common Share issue price in respect of each tranche of investment, and an exercise term of 18 months from the grant date.
The Common Shares issued upon subscription and the securities issued pursuant to the exercising of the Warrants will be subject to a four-month and a day hold period from the date of their respective issuances.
The investment is subject to the Company performing clinical trials to a certain value with iNGENū, with such trial commencing by no later within 90 days of execution of the subscription agreement. The Company’s performance of such trials will be subject to (among other things): the conclusion of a master services agreement between the Company and iNGENū; the receipt of all such regulatory and other approvals as may be required to implement the clinical trials and; the receipt of such comfort letters and eligibility reports as may be required to confirm the Company’s eligibility to receive Australia’s Research and Development (R&D) tax incentive.
The Company expects to receive the first tranche of the investment of USD $696,875 before the end of the month.
About Psyence Group, Inc.
Psyence is a life science biotechnology company with a focus on natural psychedelics. The Psyence Biomed Division works with natural psilocybin products for the healing of psychological trauma and its mental health consequences in the context of palliative care. Our name “Psyence” combines the words psychedelic and science to affirm our commitment to producing psychedelic medicines developed through evidence-based research. Informed by nature and guided by science, we built and operate one of the world’s first federally licensed commercial psilocybin mushroom cultivation and production facilities in Southern Africa. Our team brings international experience in both business and science and includes experts in mycology, neurology, palliative care, and drug development. We work to develop advanced natural psilocybin products for clinical research and development. Our key divisions, Psyence Production, Psyence Therapeutics and Psyence Function, anchor an international collaboration, with operations in Canada, the United Kingdom, Southern Africa, and a presence in the United States and Australia.