XTL Biopharmaceuticals Acquires 85% of Beyond Air's NeuroNOS
XTL Biopharmaceuticals (XTLB) announced a binding agreement to acquire 85% of NeuroNOS Ltd., a subsidiary of Beyond Air (XAIR), a biotechnology company pioneering disease-modifying therapeutics targeting the core pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder and neuro-oncology. NeuroNOS's drug development platform is based on a proprietary family of small molecules engineered to cross the blood-brain barrier and precisely target diseases associated with nitric oxide abnormalities in the brain. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that the platform addresses core pathological mechanisms rather than merely alleviating symptoms, validated NO dysregulation has been observed in both autism patients and brain cancer patients, establishing NO regulation as a disease-modifying therapeutic target across multiple indications. The company has already secured two FDA Orphan Drug Designations for Phelan-McDermid Syndromeand Glioblastoma. These designations provide seven years of market exclusivity upon approval, tax credits for clinical trial costs, expedited regulatory review, and enhanced FDA engagement. XTL will acquire 85% of NeuroNOS for consideration including 19.9% of XTL's issued share capital, $1M in cash, and milestone-based contingent payments totaling up to $32.5M. The milestone structure includes clinical development payments of up to $5.5 million to Beyond Air, commencing from the Phase 1 clinical trial through NDA submission to the FDA. In addition, commercial milestone payments of up to $26M are payable upon achieving product sales targets. Both Beyond Air and XTL are dedicated to bringing the NeuroNOS product for the treatment of autism to market as soon as possible. NeuroNOS, previously a subsidiary of Beyond Air, will now serve as XTL's flagship platform for autism and neuro-oncology therapeutics.
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- Acquisition Details: XTL will acquire 85% of NeuroNOS for 19.9% of its issued share capital, $1 million in cash, and contingent milestone payments up to $32.5 million, marking a strategic move into autism and neuro-oncology therapeutics.
- Positive Market Reaction: Following XTL's announcement to acquire NeuroNOS, shares of Beyond Air (XAIR) surged 149%, while XTLB shares rose 51% at the time of writing, indicating strong market approval of the deal.
- Autism Treatment Platform: NeuroNOS's drug development platform focuses on addressing the molecular mechanisms of autism, contrasting with existing treatments based on behavioral symptoms, which is expected to provide XTL with new therapeutic avenues in autism and neuro-oncology.
- Enhanced Policy Support: The U.S. government has allocated $50 million in NIH funding for autism research, reflecting a heightened focus on new drug development, which may provide XTL with policy backing and financial support for future growth.
- Transaction Details: Beyond Air has entered into an agreement with XTL Biopharmaceuticals to sell 85% of its subsidiary NeuroNOS, which includes 19.9% of XTL's shares, $1 million in cash, and up to $32.5 million in milestone payments, indicating a strategic move in the biopharmaceutical sector.
- Market Potential: This deal positions XTL to become a key player in the rapidly growing autism therapeutics market, addressing critical global healthcare needs, particularly for underserved patient populations, thus holding significant social value and commercial prospects.
- R&D Support: NeuroNOS focuses on autism and neuro-oncology treatments and holds FDA Orphan Drug Designations, providing market exclusivity and accelerated approval pathways, which are expected to yield up to $5.5 million in clinical development payments for Beyond Air, facilitating its R&D progress.
- Shareholder Value Enhancement: Beyond Air's CEO Steve Lisi stated that this transaction validates the scientific foundation of NeuroNOS and creates significant value for shareholders, as it is expected to drive the advancement of NeuroNOS's pipeline with dedicated resources and funding.
- Dow Jones Performance: The Dow Jones index fell over 200 points during Tuesday's trading, down 0.60% to 49,293.33, reflecting market caution regarding economic outlook.
- Stable Inflation Data: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index rose 2.7% year-over-year in December, matching economist expectations and indicating persistent inflation pressures above the Fed's 2% target.
- Stock Volatility: Beyond Air Inc's shares surged 172% to $2.39 after XTL Biopharmaceuticals agreed to acquire an 85% stake in its subsidiary, with Beyond Air set to receive up to $32.5 million in upfront and milestone payments.
- Small Business Optimism Index: The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index surged to 99.5 in December, marking its highest level since August, indicating increased confidence among small businesses about the economic future.
- Earnings Beat: JPMorgan Chase reported Q4 earnings of $5.23 per share, exceeding analyst expectations of $4.92, indicating strong performance amid economic uncertainty, which may bolster investor confidence.
- Sales Growth: The company's quarterly sales reached $46.767 billion, surpassing the analyst consensus of $46.024 billion, suggesting a robust business growth momentum that could enhance market expectations for future performance.
- Market Volatility: The Dow Jones index fell over 300 points on Tuesday, down 0.66%, reflecting market concerns about the economic outlook, which may lead investors to reassess their risk appetite.
- Energy Sector Performance: Despite the overall market decline, energy stocks rose by 1.4%, demonstrating resilience in the sector under the current economic conditions, potentially attracting more investor interest in opportunities within this field.

- Enhanced Scientific Leadership: XTL's acquisition of 85% of NeuroNOS integrates a team led by Nobel Laureates and global autism researcher Haitham Amal, aiming to develop therapies targeting the core biological mechanisms of autism, addressing the critical lack of FDA-approved disease-modifying treatments.
- Significant Market Opportunity: With 1 in 31 children in the U.S. affected by autism and no FDA-approved disease-modifying therapies available, XTL's acquisition positions it as a key player in the rapidly expanding autism treatment market.
- FDA Orphan Drug Designations: NeuroNOS has secured FDA orphan drug designations for Phelan-McDermid Syndrome and Glioblastoma, providing seven years of market exclusivity and tax credits for clinical trial costs, enhancing XTL's competitive edge in autism therapeutics.
- Clear Transaction Terms: XTL acquires NeuroNOS for 19.9% equity, $1 million in cash, and up to $32.5 million in milestone payments, ensuring funding support for clinical development and commercialization to expedite the launch of autism treatment products.

- Acquisition Overview: XTL Biopharmaceuticals has agreed to acquire 85% of NeuroNOS for $1 million in cash and up to $32.5 million in milestone payments, representing 19.9% of XTL's issued share capital.
- Market Potential: With Autism Spectrum Disorder affecting approximately 1 in 31 children in the U.S., this acquisition positions XTL as a significant player in the rapidly expanding autism therapeutics market, likely driving future growth.
- Funding Support: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has allocated $50 million in new NIH funding for autism research initiatives, highlighting government commitment to the sector and enhancing XTL's market outlook.
- Clinical Development Milestones: The transaction includes up to $5.5 million in clinical development payments covering all phases from Phase 1 trials to FDA submission, ensuring financial backing for XTL throughout the product development process.








