Aquestive Therapeutics, a pharmaceutical company advancing medicines to bring meaningful improvement to patients’ lives through innovative science and delivery technologies, refinanced its existing debt facility with a new $150 million debt facility with funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management.
This transaction provides additional flexibility to fund the launch of Anaphylm, if approved by the FDA. At closing, Oaktree provided $55 million, which was primarily used to repay the company’s existing loan in the aggregate principal amount of $45 million plus fees associated with such repayment. Upon United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of Anaphylm and satisfaction of other customary conditions, an additional $20 million will be available. A third tranche of $25 million will be available upon the achievement of specified sales milestones, with the final tranche of up to $50 million available with the mutual consent of the lenders and the company. The company will pay only interest on the new five-year facility with all principal amounts outstanding due at maturity.
“We are excited to begin our relationship with Oaktree, a well-established leader within life sciences debt financing,” Daniel Barber, CEO of Aquestive Therapeutics, said. “The new $150 million debt facility will help Aquestive drive growth for years to come. With this agreement, we reduce our principal debt repayments over the next three years from $45 million to zero, reduce our interest rate when compared to the previous debt agreement, complete the pre-approval requirements under our strategic funding agreement with RTW Investments, L.P., and unlock additional capital for the potential launch of Anaphylm, if approved by the FDA.”
Rahul Anand, managing director, life sciences lending at Oaktree, added, “We are delighted to be partnering with Aquestive at this exciting stage in the company’s development and believe that Anaphylm has the potential to be a truly transformative rescue treatment for patients suffering from severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. This transaction underscores Oaktree’s commitment to provide scalable capital solutions to companies developing novel medicines. We look forward to supporting the Aquestive management team as they work on bringing this important therapy to patients and healthcare providers globally.”
Cantor Fitzgerald acted as the sole placement agent to Aquestive. Dechert acted as counsel to Aquestive and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius served as counsel to Oaktree.
