BOSTON– Gamida Cell Ltd. (Nasdaq: GMDA), the global leader in the development of NAM-enabled cell therapies for patients with hematologic and solid cancers and other serious diseases, announced the closing of a senior secured convertible term loan of $25 million with certain funds managed by Highbridge Capital Management, LLC (collectively, “Highbridge”). Pursuant to the loan agreement, Gamida Cell’s wholly-owned subsidiary, as borrower, will draw down $25 million from the facility with a maturity date of December 12, 2024.
The proceeds from the term loan, together with the net proceeds from Gamida Cell’s $20 million public offering of ordinary shares announced on September 27, 2022 and its existing cash and cash equivalents and trading financial assets, are expected to (i) fund commercial readiness and initial launch activities to support launch of omidubicel, if approved; (ii) fund the continued development of its NK product pipeline, including clinical stage asset GDA-201; and (iii) be used for general corporate purposes, including general and administrative expenses and working capital.
“We are pleased to secure additional capital from an existing investor as we continue to prepare for the launch of omidubicel, which is pending FDA review. Omidubicel has the potential to address the unmet need for patients with hematologic malignancies in need of an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant,” said Abbey Jenkins, CEO of Gamida Cell. “As we anticipate our shift from clinical to commercial stage, we are now in a stronger financial position to prepare for launch while continuing development of our promising NK pipeline, including our clinical stage asset GDA-201.”
The term loan was made at 97% of the principal amount thereof, constitutes a senior secured obligation of Gamida Cell and its wholly owned subsidiaries and will accrue interest at an annual rate of 7.5% per year The facility, which has a maturity of December 12, 2024, calls for interest only payments for the first four months and principal and interest payments amortized over the remaining term. Installment payments may be payable in cash or in ordinary shares subject to certain conditions. Subject to certain limitations, the term loan may be exchanged into Gamida Cell’s ordinary shares, in certain cases at the option of Highbridge and in others at the option of Gamida Cell, at an initial exchange rate of 0.52356 ordinary shares per $1.00 principal amount of notes (equivalent to an exchange price of $1.91 per ordinary share).
“We have been encouraged by Gamida’s milestone achievements this year, including BLA acceptance with Priority Review,” commented Jonathan Segal, Co-Chief Investment Officer of Highbridge Capital Management. “We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Gamida Cell’s management team and board.”
Gamida Cell may prepay all but not less than all of the term loan for cash, at its option, at 100% of the principal amount, plus a make whole amount comprised of all accrued and unpaid and remaining coupons due through the maturity date and a prepayment premium of 5% on the principal amount to be prepaid.
