NewGenIvf Provides Update on Potential Reverse Merger with COVIRIX

Rhea-AI Summary

NewGenIvf Group (NASDAQ: NIVF) has provided an update on its proposed reverse merger with COVIRIX Medical Pty The company anticipates completing the transaction by the end of August 2024, subject to regulatory approvals. Key highlights include:

1. COVIRIX's ongoing antiviral research at a U.S. university, focusing on respiratory diseases.
2. COVIRIX holds 80,000 Zucoins crypto tokens, potentially representing significant value.
3. The merger aims to create a multifaceted healthcare company.
4. COVIRIX has engaged a U.S. university for an in vitro study of its patented antiviral drug candidate.
5. NewGen proposes to issue 102,890,000 shares to COVIRIX shareholders, valued at US$617,340,000.
6. COVIRIX to introduce investors to raise US$6 million for NIVF at US$6 per share.

Positive

• Potential expansion of healthcare offerings beyond fertility treatments
• COVIRIX's antiviral research progress at a prominent U.S. university
• Possible value addition from 80,000 Zucoins crypto tokens held by COVIRIX
• In vitro study of COVIRIX's antiviral drug candidate against multiple respiratory viruses
• Proposed US$617,340,000 valuation for COVIRIX in the merger deal
• Planned US$6 million capital raise at US$6 per share for NIVF

Negative

• Significant shareholder dilution with COVIRIX shareholders expected to hold 85.8% equity post-merger
• Uncertainty regarding the actual value of Zucoins crypto tokens
• Potential risks associated with cryptocurrency holdings
• No guarantee of success for COVIRIX's antiviral drug research
• Completion of the merger subject to various conditions and approvals

Insights

Financial Analyst

The proposed reverse merger between NewGenIvf and COVIRIX Medical is a notable strategic move with significant financial implications. The issuance of 102,890,000 ordinary shares of NewGen in exchange for 100% equity interest in COVIRIX, valued at US$617,340,000, indicates a substantial expansion in NewGen’s asset base and market presence. Additionally, the fundraising commitment of US$6 million at a share price of US$6 per share for NewGen highlights a robust financial strategy. This merger, if successful, would result in COVIRIX shareholders holding approximately 85.8% equity in NewGen. This high percentage could raise concerns about potential dilution of existing shares, which might impact current shareholders. Investors should be aware of the potential volatility in share prices during this transition period.

Market Research Analyst

The merger aligns with NewGenIvf’s strategy to diversify its healthcare services beyond fertility treatments. COVIRIX’s engagement with a prominent U.S. university to conduct in vitro studies on its antiviral drug candidate, which targets multiple respiratory viruses, is a critical step. Positive results could significantly enhance COVIRIX's profile and, by extension, NewGen’s market position. Furthermore, the holding of 80,000 Zucoins crypto tokens by COVIRIX adds a speculative element to the merger. Although projecting these tokens to achieve approximately 20% of Bitcoin’s market price is ambitious and uncertain, it represents a potential high-value asset if realized. The combination of advanced medical research and innovative asset management could appeal to investors looking for diversified growth opportunities.

Medical Research Analyst

The ongoing antiviral research by COVIRIX, particularly its in vitro study on various respiratory viruses, is an exciting development in the pharmaceutical landscape. The drug's previous effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants indicates a strong potential for broad-spectrum antiviral therapies. If the current studies yield positive results, it could pave the way for significant advancements in treating respiratory diseases, including those with pandemic potential. Long-term, this could position the merged entity as a key player in the healthcare sector, driving innovation and potentially leading to new treatment protocols. The strategic alignment in healthcare offerings between NewGen and COVIRIX may enhance research capabilities and accelerate the development of new therapies.

BANGKOK, July 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NewGenIvf Group (NASDAQ: NIVF) (“NewGen” or the “Company”), a comprehensive fertility services provider in Asia helping couples and individuals obtain access to fertility treatments, today announced an update on its proposed reverse merger (the “Proposed Transaction”) with pharmaceutical company COVIRIX Medical Pty Ltd ("COVIRIX"). The Company reports steady progress in its due diligence efforts and, contingent upon meeting all regulatory requirements, anticipates completing the Proposed Transaction by the end of August 2024.

Mr. Siu Wing Fung Alfred, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of NewGen, commented, "We are very encouraged by the progress of our due diligence on COVIRIX. The ongoing antiviral research at a prominent U.S. university underscores COVIRIX's commitment to developing innovative therapies for respiratory diseases. This aligns well with our vision to expand our healthcare offerings beyond fertility treatments. Additionally, we've learned that COVIRIX holds 80,000 Zucoins crypto tokens in its treasury. These tokens are expected to be listed on the Zutopia Marketplace trading platform soon, with COVIRIX’s projections suggesting they could achieve approximately 20% of the Bitcoin market price. While we must emphasize that there's no guarantee this projection will be realized, if it does, this asset could potentially represent substantial value for our merged entity. This combination of cutting-edge medical research and forward-thinking asset management exemplifies the innovative approach of COVIRIX. We believe these developments further support our vision for creating a dynamic, multifaceted healthcare company that can deliver significant value to our shareholders. As we continue our due diligence process, we're increasingly excited about the potential synergies and opportunities this merger could bring to both companies and our stakeholders."

Mr. Richard Li, Executive Director and Head of Corporate Development of COVIRIX Medical, commented, "We are thrilled to announce that COVIRIX has officially engaged a prominent U.S. university to conduct an in vitro study of our primary patented antiviral drug candidate. This study will focus on several respiratory viruses, including various influenza strains and the rapidly spreading Avian influenza H5N1 in the United States, as well as RSV. We expect to have results within weeks, which marks an exciting milestone in our research timeline. Our drug's unique mechanism of action has already shown promising effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 and its multiple variants in our previous in vitro studies. Based on these earlier results, we are optimistic that our drug candidate will demonstrate similar efficacy against the respiratory viruses in this current study, subject to appropriate results from follow-up clinical trials. This research represents a significant step forward in our mission to develop broad-spectrum antiviral therapies that can address multiple respiratory diseases, potentially including those with pandemic potential."

The Proposed Transaction

Pursuant to the Term Sheet, it is proposed that NewGen issue 102,890,000 of its ordinary shares to the shareholder(s) of COVIRIX or their respective nominees (the “COVIRIX Shareholders”) in exchange for 100% equity interest of COVIRIX, at a deemed price per share of US$6, representing an aggregate amount of US$617,340,000. Simultaneously, it is proposed that COVIRIX undertakes to introduce investors to raise US$6 million at US$6 per share for NIVF, in a form mutually acceptable to both NewGen and COVIRIX.

Following stockholder approval of the Proposed Transaction, COVIRIX Shareholders are expected to hold approximately 85.8% equity interest in NewGen. The Company expects to announce additional details regarding the Proposed Transaction when a definitive agreement is executed. The completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to, among other matters, the completion of due diligence, the negotiation of a definitive agreement, obtaining adequate financing, satisfaction of the conditions negotiated therein, and approval of the Proposed Transaction by the board and stockholders, as and when applicable. There can be no assurance that a definitive agreement will be entered into or that the Proposed Transaction will be consummated on the terms or timeframe currently contemplated, or at all. Mr. Richard Li, who serves as Executive Director and Head of Corporate Development of COVIRIX and as an Independent Director of NewGen, will abstain from voting in any and all future decisions related to the Proposed Transaction.

About NewGen

NewGen is a comprehensive fertility services provider in Asia helping couples and individuals obtain access to fertility treatments. With a mission to aid couples and individuals in building families regardless of fertility challenges, NewGen has dedicated itself to creating increased access to infertility treatment and providing comprehensive fertility services for its customers. NewGen Group and its management have over a decade of experience in the fertility industry. NewGen's clinics are located in Thailand, Cambodia, and Kyrgyzstan, and present a full suite of services for its patients, including comprehensive infertility and assisted reproductive technology treatments, egg and sperm donation, and surrogacy, in the appropriate jurisdictions, respectively. To learn more, visit www.newgenivf.com. The information contained on, or accessible through, NewGen's website is not incorporated by reference into this press release, and you should not consider it a part of this press release.

About COVIRIX Medical

COVIRIX Medical is a pharmaceutical company based in Melbourne, Australia. COVIRIX Medical’s mission is dedicated to repurpose and develop antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs for treatment of Pulmonary Diseases (Respiratory Infections), including COVID-19, with existing small molecule antivirals uniquely administered via oral inhalation. COVIRIX Medical was founded by a team of renowned professionals with complementary expertise and decades of industry experience to deliver the company’s stated mission. COVIRIX Medical is managed by a team of professionals with complementary expertise and deep experience in healthcare, biotech, drug development, drug synthesis and testing, and investment banking.

The COVIRIX antiviral drug has demonstrated effectiveness against a number of SARS CoV-2 variants in extensive in-vitro studies. Its drug has a unique mechanism of action and is a broad-spectrum antiviral. Subject to appropriate clinical trial results, the same patented antiviral treatment is applicable to treating a wide range of viral respiratory diseases: (all types of) influenza including Avian Influenza, RSV, metapneumoviruses, seasonal coronaviruses, etc. COVIRIX Medical has responded to COVID-19 since the start of the COVID Pandemic in early 2020. While preparing for future mutations of the SARS CoV-2 virus, COVIRIX Medical is also readying for the inevitable next respiratory virus pandemic. To learn more about COVIRIX Medical, visit http://covirix.com/.The information contained on, or accessible through, COVIRIX Medical’s website is not incorporated by reference into this press release, and you should not consider it a part of this press release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the forward-looking statements in this press release include descriptions of the Company's or NewGenIvf Group's future commercial operations. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, such as the Company's or NewGenIvf Group's inability to implement its business plans, identify and realize additional opportunities, or meet or exceed its financial projections and changes in the regulatory or competitive environment in which the Company or NewGenIvf Group operates. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in NewGenIvf Group's Annual Report on Form 20-F and other documents filed or to be filed by NewGenIvf Group with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") from time to time, which could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Copies of these documents are available on the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. All information provided herein is as of the date of this press release, and the Company and NewGenIvf Group undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contact

ICR, LLC
Robin Yang
Phone: +1 (212) 537-4406
Email: Newgenivf.IR@icrinc.com

FAQ

When is NewGenIvf (NIVF) expected to complete its reverse merger with COVIRIX?

NewGenIvf anticipates completing the reverse merger with COVIRIX by the end of August 2024, subject to meeting all regulatory requirements.

What is the proposed valuation of COVIRIX in the reverse merger with NewGenIvf (NIVF)?

The proposed valuation of COVIRIX in the reverse merger is US$617,340,000, with NewGenIvf planning to issue 102,890,000 shares at a deemed price of US$6 per share.

What percentage of NewGenIvf (NIVF) will COVIRIX shareholders own after the merger?

Following stockholder approval of the proposed transaction, COVIRIX shareholders are expected to hold approximately 85.8% equity interest in NewGenIvf.

What is the focus of COVIRIX's antiviral research mentioned in the NewGenIvf (NIVF) update?

COVIRIX's antiviral research, conducted at a prominent U.S. university, focuses on several respiratory viruses, including influenza strains, Avian influenza H5N1, and RSV.

How much capital does COVIRIX plan to raise for NewGenIvf (NIVF) as part of the merger?

As part of the merger, COVIRIX undertakes to introduce investors to raise US$6 million for NIVF at US$6 per share.