Country for PR: Hong Kong
Contributor: PR Newswire Asia (Hong Kong)
Monday, October 14 2019 - 16:52
AsiaNet
Admedus Inks $A36.2M Deal for CardioCel And VascuCel Patch Business
BRISBANE, Australia, Oct. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/--

Transaction Highlights:

--Admedus has sold the distribution rights to its CardioCel(R) and VascuCel(R)
  product range for $A36.2 million (including all earnouts) to LeMaitre 
  Vascular Inc. 
--$A22.8M upfront payment plus two instalments of $A1m each after 12 months 
  and 36 months 
--Up to $A11.4M on earn-out payments for a total $A36.2M (at the current
  $US0.67/$A1 rate), subject to achievement of certain milestones 
--Up to 3-year manufacturing contract with 20% margin above cost to AHZ 
--Retain entire IP portfolio for ADAPT(R) enabling continuation of product 
  development pipeline 
--Transitions Admedus to focus on advancing its Transcatheter Aortic Valve
  Replacement (TAVR) programme and other potential products 
--The transaction is non-dilutive, underpinned by manufacturing revenues and 
  reduced operating expenses and headcount

Admedus Limited (AHZ or the Company) announces the sale of its CardioCel(R) and 
VascuCel(R) patch business to U.S based LeMaitre Vascular Inc. (NASDAQ: LMAT, 
'LeMaitre'), for up to $A36.2M ($A22.8M upfront) in cash payments to Admedus. 
These products originated from the Company's proprietary, regenerative 
bio-scaffold platform technology, being used to address multiple cardiovascular 
procedures and repairs. LeMaitre is a global provider of implants and devices 
for the treatment of peripheral vascular diseases.

Logo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20191014/2609656-1LOGO 

"This transaction is a transformational milestone for Admedus, realising the 
value from its CardioCel(R) and VascuCel(R) products. Importantly, the deal 
firmly positions the Company for its next growth phase anchored by its 
ground-breaking TAVR programme," Admedus Chief Executive Officer, Wayne 
Paterson, said. 

"This is what management set-out to achieve for shareholders two years ago. The 
partnership strategy was possible only after we built a credible product 
profile over the past two years."

"We are pleased to transition CardioCel(R) and VascuCel(R) to LeMaitre, a 
bonafide leader in the cardiovascular space. LeMaitre's sales infrastructure 
and scale will propel the clinical credibility and brand profile Admedus has 
already established for CardioCel(R) and VascuCel(R). We anticipate LeMaitre's 
channel will successfully expand the adoption of these products." 

The CardioCel(R) product range is the only one to have achieved ten years 
without calcification or degradation in man - a significant benefit to patients 
otherwise forced to undergo recurrent operations. Surgeons use CardioCel(R) 
products to treat congenital heart defects, vessel and cardiovascular repairs, 
and peripheral vascular reconstruction. VascuCel(R) is used as a patch in great 
vessel repair, peripheral vascular reconstruction and suture line buttressing. 

Under the agreement terms, Admedus receives $A22.8M upfront followed by 
deferred payments of $A1M each at 12 months and at 36 months. Additionally, the 
Company may receive up to $A11.4M in earn-out payments as follows:

--$A3.0M on obtaining certain regulatory approvals under European Medical 
  Devices Directorate Regulation 
--$A0.7M on Admedus completing all testing and documentation to extend the
  shelf life of the CardioCel(R) and VascuCel(R) products from 36 months to at
  least 60 months in the United States 
--Up to $A3.73M if gross revenue from LeMaitre CardioCel(R) and VascuCel(R) 
  product sales exceed $A29.8M in the first 12 months or $A1.8M if gross 
  revenue from product sales exceed $A22.4M in the first 12 months 
--Up to $A3.73M if gross revenue from LeMaitre CardioCel(R) and VascuCel(R) 
  product sales exceed $A44.7M in the second 12 months or $A1.8M if gross 
  revenue from product sales exceed $A33.5M in the second 12 months. 
--$A0.2m for completion of reporting procedures by 31 October 2019

(All amounts at the current $US0.67/$A1 rate.) 

Admedus retains manufacturing rights for up to three years and will continue 
manufacturing CardioCel(R) and VascuCel(R) at its Malaga facility in Western 
Australia for LeMaitre. The manufacturing agreement ensures Admedus a 20% 
margin over cost.

Admedus retains sole-control on all intellectual property for the underlying 
ADAPT(R) technology platform/process, including its breakthrough TAVR device 
and single-piece 3D aortic valve. 

"The transaction provides a significant injection of non-dilutive capital and 
streamlines operations with cost reductions from a reduced headcount and 
operating expenses. 

"Admedus is now configured to focus on product innovation led by the TAVR 
programme and other large market opportunities based on its scientifically and 
commercially validated ADAPT(R) platform. 

"Admedus plans its first-in-human studies for its single-piece 3D aortic valve 
in 2020. Based on Admedus' current laboratory and animal study findings - 
combined with the highly differentiated anti-calcification properties of all 
products generated using the ADAPT(R) technology - there is potential for 
single-piece 3D aortic valve and TAVR devices to be breakthrough for patients," 
Admedus Chief Executive Officer, Wayne Paterson, concluded. 

SOURCE: Admedus Limited