AIkido Pharma Announces Strategic Interest in ASP Isotopes Inc.

Rhea-AI Summary

AIkido Pharma (Nasdaq: AIKI) announced a strategic equity interest in ASP Isotopes, focusing on non-nuclear enriched isotopes, on December 6, 2021. The investment aims to solve supply chain issues for Technetium-99m, derived from molybdenum-100. ASP Isotopes is constructing a 20 Kg/year production plant in South Africa, with high demand from customers. By 2028, they project generating over $150 million in EBITDA. AIkido's CEO highlighted the opportunity for potential monetization in early 2022 amidst a $3.8 billion Mo-99 market. The move aligns with AIkido's strategy to enhance shareholder value.

Positive

• AIkido acquired a strategic equity interest in ASP Isotopes, which addresses significant supply chain challenges in the isotope market.
• ASP Isotopes expects to generate over $150 million in EBITDA annually by 2028, indicating strong future growth potential.
• High demand for ASP's product suggests a robust market opportunity with take-or-pay offtake agreements.

Negative

• None.

NEW YORK, Dec. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AIkido Pharma Inc. (Nasdaq: AIKI) ("AIkido" or the "Company") today announced that the Company secured a strategic equity interest in ASP Isotopes, Inc., which focuses on the non-nuclear supply of enriched isotopes.

ASP Isotopes' Aerodynamic Separation Process is a method of enriching molybdenum-100 which is a stable isotope of molybdenum. Technetium-99m is the most used radioisotope in the nuclear imaging industry, but the supply chain, which involves the radioactive decay of molybdenum-99 has been fraught with problems during the last 20 years. Mo-100 can be converted into Technetium-99m closer to the point of care thus eliminating the complex supply chain that currently exists and the risk of a supply interruption to the hospital and radiological pharmacy. ASP Isotopes is currently constructing a 20 Kg/year production plant in South Africa during 2021/22. There has been significant interest from potential customers for volumes exceeding 100% of the capacity of the first manufacturing plant. The company intends to enter into "take or pay" style offtake agreements with customers and by 2028, ASP Isotopes Inc intends to be a leading supplier of non-nuclear enriched isotopes generating over $150 million in EBITDA per annum.

Paul Mann, Chairman and CEO of ASP Isotopes commented: "The ASP Technology has been developed over the last 18 years. Following this capital raise, we believe that we are in a strong position to complete our first manufacturing plant for Molybdenun-100. Given the inherent challenging nature of the current supply chain, there has been considerable interest from potential customers, and we look forward to beginning commercial operations in the future. We would like to thank AIkido Pharma for their strategic investment in ASP Isotopes and we look forward to delivering extraordinary shareholder returns during the next several years".

Anthony Hayes, CEO of AIkido, noted, "This clearly exemplifies another high growth opportunity for us with a potential monetization event in the first half of 2022. ASP's unique technology, large market opportunity, notable investors and well accomplished management team are what initially attracted us to this opportunity. Our strategic investment in ASP Isotopes is exciting as they may have the best solution to help solve the current supply chain issue of a potential supply side shock with their Aerodynamic Separation Process. The Mo-99 market is currently estimated to be valued at $3.8 billion per year but with nine out of ten facilities expected to close within 10 years many governments and companies are exploring alternative methods of producing MO-99. We remain focused on continuing to acquire assets in our space that we believe will create shareholder value and possible monetization in the next 6-9 months."

About ASP Isotopes Inc.

ASP Isotopes Inc. was incorporated in 2021 and is an isotope enrichment company. The company utilizes technology developed in South Africa over the past 20 years to enrich isotopes of elements or molecules with low atomic masses. Many of these elements are unsuitable for enrichment using traditional methods such as centrifuges. The company's first commercial product will be Molybdenum 100, which has the potential to replace Molybdenum 99, a commonly used product in the diagnostic imaging market.

About AIkido Pharma Inc.

AIkido Pharma Inc. was initially formed in 1967 and is a biotechnology Company with a diverse portfolio of small-molecule anti-cancer therapeutics. The Company's platform consists of patented technology from leading universities and researchers, and we are currently in the process of developing an innovative therapeutic drug platform through strong partnerships with world renowned educational institutions, including The University of Texas at Austin and University of Maryland at Baltimore. Our diverse pipeline of therapeutics includes therapies for pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer. We are constantly seeking to grow our pipeline to treat unmet medical needs in oncology. The Company is also developing a broad-spectrum antiviral platform that may potentially inhibit replication of multiple viruses including Influenza virus, SARS-CoV (coronavirus), MERS-CoV, Ebolavirus and Marburg virus. Additionally, the Company has interests in high growth opportunities in diverse sectors with potential near term monetization events.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation those set forth in the Company's filings with the SEC, not limited to Risk Factors relating to its business contained therein. Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Contact:

Investor Relations: 

Hayden IR
Brett Maas, Managing Partner
Phone: (646) 536-7331
Email: brett@haydenir.com
www.haydenir.com

AIkido Pharma Inc.
Phone: 212-745-1373
Email: investorrelations@aikidopharma.com
www.aikidopharma.com

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SOURCE AIkido Pharma Inc.

FAQ

What strategic interest did AIkido Pharma announce on December 6, 2021?

AIkido Pharma announced a strategic equity interest in ASP Isotopes, focusing on the non-nuclear supply of enriched isotopes.

How is ASP Isotopes addressing supply chain issues?

ASP Isotopes is using its Aerodynamic Separation Process to enrich molybdenum-100, which can be converted to Technetium-99m closer to care sites, mitigating supply chain risks.

What is the expected EBITDA for ASP Isotopes by 2028?

ASP Isotopes aims to generate over $150 million in EBITDA annually by 2028.

What market is AIkido Pharma targeting with this investment?

AIkido Pharma is targeting the $3.8 billion Mo-99 market, which is facing potential supply disruptions.

What are the potential benefits of AIkido's investment in ASP Isotopes?

The investment offers AIkido potential monetization opportunities in the first half of 2022 and aligns with their strategy to create shareholder value.