Country for PR: United Kingdom
Contributor: PR Newswire Europe
Thursday, July 08 2021 - 22:58
AsiaNet
Alpha Tau and Healthcare Capital Corp. to Combine and Create A Publicly Traded Company Focused on Transforming the Treatment of Solid Tumors Through the Precision Delivery of Alpha Radiation
JERUSALEM, Israel and WILMINGTON, Del., July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --

- Alpha Tau's proprietary Alpha DaRT(TM) is designed to deliver uniquely potent 
alpha radiation to destroy solid tumors with localized precision, sparing 
surrounding healthy tissue, thereby maintaining cancer patients' quality of 
life. Alpha DaRT(TM) has recently received FDA's Breakthrough Device 
Designation for the indication of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the skin and oral 
cavity without curative standard of care, and preclinical studies support 
evaluation across various cancer indications (skin, pancreas, breast and GBM, 
among others). 

- The transaction represents an implied pro forma equity value of approximately 
$1 billion and is expected to provide up to $367 million in gross proceeds, 
including up to $275 million of cash held in the trust account of Healthcare 
Capital Corp. (Nasdaq: HCCC) and a $92 million PIPE.

- The $92 million fully-committed PIPE is anchored by a combination of 
Healthcare-focused financial and strategic investors including Yozma Investment 
Co. (part of Yozma Group Korea), Grand Decade Developments (an affiliate of 
China Grand Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Holdings), as well as other leading 
technology investors including OurCrowd, Regah Ventures and the co-founders of 
Apax Partners, Alan Patricof and Sir Ronald Cohen. Medison Group, an early 
supporter of Alpha Tau and global pharma company that provides access to highly 
innovative therapies to patients in international markets, is also an investor 
in the PIPE.

- After giving effect to the transaction (and assuming no redemptions by public 
shareholders), Alpha Tau is expected to have approximately $362 million of cash 
on the balance sheet.

- Net proceeds are to be used for further expansion of Alpha Tau's clinical 
strategy including the pursuit of FDA marketing authorization, a broad array of 
R&D activities, expanding manufacturing capacity and preparing for 
commercialization, and are expected to provide cash runway at least into 2024.

- All Alpha Tau shareholders will retain 100% of their equity holdings in the 
public company.

- Alpha Tau will continue to be led by its current management team, and upon 
closing, it is expected that HCC Chairman Dr. David M. Milch will be appointed 
to the Alpha Tau Board of Directors.

- The proposed business combination is expected to be completed by the end of 
2021, upon which Alpha Tau is expected to be listed on Nasdaq.

Alpha Tau Medical Limited ("Alpha Tau"), the developer of the pioneering 
alpha-radiation cancer therapy Alpha DaRT(TM), and Healthcare Capital Corp. 
("HCC") (Nasdaq: HCCC), a special purpose acquisition company, today announced 
they have entered into a definitive business combination agreement (the 
"Business Combination"). Upon closing of the Business Combination, Alpha Tau is 
expected to be listed on the Nasdaq.

Alpha Tau's proprietary Alpha DaRT(TM) (Diffusing Alpha-emitters Radiation 
Therapy) enables highly potent and conformal alpha-irradiation of solid tumors 
through the intra-tumoral insertion of radium-224 impregnated sources mainly 
affecting the tumor, sparing the healthy tissue around it. In the company's 
first-in-human clinical trial for Squamous Cell Carcinoma ("SCC") tumors of the 
skin & oral cavity exhibited 100% overall response rate and approximately 78% 
complete response rate. In June 2021, Alpha Tau received FDA Breakthrough 
Device Designation for the use of Alpha DaRT(TM) in the treatment of SCC of the 
skin and oral cavity without curative standard of care.

Alpha Tau has developed a robust clinical trial strategy with leading global 
centers, including its flagship US multi-center feasibility study currently 
ongoing, led at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, which 
recently enrolled its first patient.

A group of Healthcare-focused financial and strategic investors have committed 
to participate in the transaction through a fully committed ordinary share PIPE 
of approximately $92 million at $10.00 per share. Investors in the PIPE include 
Yozma Investment Co. (part of Yozma Group Korea) and Grand Decade Developments 
(an affiliate of China Grand Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Holdings) as well as 
other leading technology investors including OurCrowd, Regah Ventures and the 
co-founders of Apax Partners, Alan Patricof and Sir Ronald Cohen. Medison 
Group, an early supporter of Alpha Tau and global pharma company that provides 
access to highly innovative therapies to patients in international markets, is 
also an investor in the PIPE.

"Following the recent enrollment of the first patient in our flagship US 
feasibility study and receipt of FDA Breakthrough Device Designation, this 
transaction represents another significant milestone on Alpha Tau's journey to 
transform the treatment of solid tumors through the precision delivery of alpha 
radiation. We are grateful to the outstanding team at HCC, whose cadre of 
experienced and well-regarded professionals have provided superb execution and 
continued support for Alpha Tau, and we are excited for Dr. David M. Milch to 
join as our newest member of the Board of Directors upon the closing of the 
business combination. We thank our investors, both new joiners as well as those 
who have supported us for years, who continue to demonstrate their faith in the 
company and its leadership," said Uzi Sofer, CEO and Chairman of Alpha Tau. 
"The completion of this transaction will allow the company to realize its 
vision and implement the clinical development plans and construction of our 
manufacturing plants around the world, in order to bring hope to millions of 
patients around the world."

"This transaction ensures that we are well capitalized to accelerate our 
ambitious plans across multiple fronts," said Raphi Levy, CFO of Alpha Tau. "We 
look forward to delivering continued clinical momentum and hope for patients as 
we evolve into a public company."

"We are excited about Alpha Tau's unique therapy, which has generated a 
response observed across a wide array of solid tumors in pre-clinical studies, 
with minimal side effects, positioning it to potentially become a vital weapon 
in the battle against cancer," said Dr. David M. Milch.  "After evaluating many 
opportunities in the healthcare industry, we believe that Alpha Tau stands out 
as the best choice for a business combination due to its proprietary 
technology, rapid clinical and product development and easy to administer 
treatment solution for the great number of cancer patients worldwide." 

"It was a pleasure to work with the team at HCC as their due diligence advisor 
following my departure as Commissioner of the FDA in January 2021," said Dr. 
Stephen M. Hahn.  "My background as a medical and radiation oncologist helped 
me immediately appreciate the potential of Alpha Tau's therapy in providing a 
solution for a potentially significant number of patients, including those with 
untreatable or difficult to treat tumors, whether alone or in combination with 
other therapies such as immunotherapies.  I would expect the product to be well 
received by the clinical community because of the potential applications, 
modest side effect profile, and demonstrated potency of the Alpha DaRT(TM)"

Proceeds of the business combination and the PIPE will be primarily used to:
- advance ongoing, and launch, new clinical trials;
- continue existing, and initiate additional, clinical and research 
collaborations;
- develop and expand global manufacturing capacity;
- develop KOL centers of excellence; and
- prepare for commercialization efforts.

Key Transaction Terms

The Business Combination values Alpha Tau at an implied pre-money equity value 
of $600 million, and is expected to add approximately $337 million of cash to 
its balance sheet upon closing, inclusive of $275 million in HCC's trust 
(assuming no redemptions by public shareholders) and $92 million in PIPE 
proceeds, net of transaction expenses.

All existing Alpha Tau shareholders will retain 100% of their current equity 
holdings and are expected to hold approximately 59% of the pro forma company 
immediately following the closing.  Following the closing of the business 
combination, Alpha Tau is expected to be listed on the Nasdaq.

The Business Combination was unanimously approved by each of Alpha Tau's and 
HCC's Boards of Directors, and HCC Chairman Dr. David M. Milch is expected to 
join the Board of Directors after closing.  The transaction is expected to be 
completed by the end of 2021, and is subject to obtaining necessary regulatory 
approvals, the fulfillment of customary closing conditions, as well as the 
approval of both Alpha Tau's and HCC's shareholders.

Additional information about the proposed business combination, including a 
copy of the definitive agreement and investor presentation, will be provided in 
a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed by HCC with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov.

Advisors

Citigroup is acting as financial advisor to Alpha Tau. Citigroup, Piper 
Sandler, and Cantor Fitzgerald are acting as joint placement agents on the 
PIPE.  Cantor Fitzgerald is acting as a capital markets advisor to HCC. Value 
Base M&A Ltd. is also acting as financial advisor on the transaction.
Latham & Watkins LLP and Meitar | Law Offices are acting as legal advisors to 
Alpha Tau. Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP and FBC & Co. are acting as legal 
advisors to HCC. Winston & Strawn LLP is acting as legal advisor to the 
placement agents.

Management Presentation 

A link to a presentation by management of Alpha Tau and HCC discussing the 
business and the proposed transaction can be found at 
www.netroadshow.com/nrs/home/#!/?show=d422ce03

The investor presentation is being filed by Alpha Tau and HCC with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and will be available on the SEC's 
website at www.sec.gov.

About Alpha Tau

Founded in 2016, Alpha Tau Medical Ltd, is an Israeli oncology therapeutics 
company that focuses on research, development, and commercialization of the 
Alpha DaRTtechnology for the treatment of solid tumors. 

Alpha DaRT(TM)(Diffusing Alpha-emitters Radiation Therapy) is an innovative 
technology that enables the highly potent and uniquely conformal 
alpha-irradiation of solid tumors. The treatment is delivered by intratumoral 
insertion of radionuclide Radium-224, which leads to the release and diffusion 
of daughter radioisotopes that emit alpha particles. These alpha particles have 
the capacity to destroy solid tumors. Since the alpha-emitting atoms diffuse 
only a short distance in tissue, Alpha DaRT mainly damages the tumor, while 
sparing the healthy tissue around it.

About HCC

HCC is a blank check company incorporated as a Delaware corporation for the 
purposes of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share 
purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more 
businesses or entities. Its Class A common stock and warrants are listed on the 
Nasdaq under the symbol "HCCC" and "HCCCW," respectively.  HCC is led by Dr. 
David M. Milch, Chairman and William Johns, Chief Executive Officer.  HCC was 
formed for the purpose of identifying emerging healthcare business that have 
potential to make a valuable contribution to healthcare particularly for the 
very large number of patients with unmet needs and to provide the capital and 
support they may need and to transition them to public ownership.  Or as we 
believe, "Do well by doing good."

Additional Information and Where to Find It 
        
This press release relates to a proposed transaction between Alpha Tau and 
HCC.  This press release does not constitute (i) solicitation of a proxy, 
consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the 
proposed transaction or (ii) an offer to sell or exchange, or the solicitation 
of an offer to buy or exchange, any security of HCC, Alpha Tau, or any of their 
respective affiliates, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any 
jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or exchange would be unlawful prior to 
registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such 
jurisdiction.

In connection with the proposed transaction, Alpha Tau intends to file a 
registration statement on Form F-4 with the SEC, which will include a proxy 
statement of HCC in connection with HCC's solicitation of proxies for the vote 
by HCC's shareholders with respect to the proposed transaction and a prospectus 
of Alpha Tau. HCC also will file other documents regarding the proposed 
transaction with the SEC.

This communication does not contain all the information that should be 
considered concerning the proposed transaction and is not intended to form the 
basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the 
proposed transaction. Before making any voting or investment decision, 
investors and security holders are urged to read the registration statement, 
the proxy statement/prospectus and all other relevant documents filed or that 
will be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction as they 
become available because they will contain important information about the 
proposed transaction.

Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the 
registration statement, proxy statement/prospectus and all other relevant 
documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by Alpha Tau and HCC through 
the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. In addition, the documents 
filed by Alpha Tau may be obtained free of charge from Alpha Tau's website at 
http://www.alphatau.com or by written request to Alpha Tau at Alpha Tau Medical 
Limited, Kiryat Hamada 5, Jerusalem, Israel 9777605, and the documents filed by 
HCC may be obtained free of charge from HCC's website at 
http://www.healthccc.com or by written request to Healthcare Capital Corp., 301 
North Market Street, Suite 1414, Wilmington, DE 19801.

Participants in Solicitation

Alpha Tau and HCC and their respective directors and executive officers may be 
deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from HCC's 
shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Additional 
information regarding the interests of those persons and other persons who may 
be deemed participants in the proposed transaction may be obtained by reading 
the proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed transaction. You may 
obtain free copies of these documents as described in the preceding paragraph.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of 
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used herein, words 
including "anticipate," "being," "will," "plan," "may," "continue," and similar 
expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, 
any statements or information that refer to expectations, beliefs, plans, 
projections, objectives, performance or other characterizations of future 
events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are 
forward-looking. All forward-looking statements are based upon the Alpha Tau's 
current expectations and various assumptions. Alpha Tau believes there is a 
reasonable basis for its expectations and beliefs, but they are inherently 
uncertain. Alpha Tau may not realize its expectations, and its beliefs may not 
prove correct. Actual results could differ materially from those described or 
implied by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important 
factors, including, without limitation, its limited operating history; its 
incurrence of significant losses to date; its need for additional funding and 
ability to raise capital when needed; its limited experience in medical device 
discovery and development; its dependence on the success and commercialization 
of the Alpha DaRT(TM) product candidate; the failure of preliminary data from 
its clinical studies to predict final study results; failure of its early 
clinical studies or preclinical studies to predict future clinical studies; its 
ability to receive regulatory approval for its product candidates; its ability 
to enroll patients in its clinical trials; undesirable side effects caused by 
Alpha Tau's product candidates; its exposure to patent infringement lawsuits; 
its ability to comply with the extensive regulations applicable to it; impacts 
from the COVID-19 pandemic; its ability to commercialize its product 
candidates; and the other important factors discussed under the caption "Risk 
Factors" in its Registration Statement on Form F-4 that will be filed with the 
SEC. These and other important factors could cause actual results to differ 
materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this 
press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management's 
estimates as of the date of this press release. While Alpha Tau may elect to 
update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, except as 
required by law, it disclaims any obligation to do so, even if subsequent 
events cause our views to change. These forward-looking statements should not 
be relied upon as representing Alpha Tau's views as of any date subsequent to 
the date of this press release.

Contacts:
Alpha Tau Medical Ltd.
Amnon Gat, COO

AmnonG@alphatau.com
Healthcare Capital Corp.
William Johns, CEO
wjohns@healthccc.com
 

Source: Alpha Tau Medical