EXICURE, INC. current report, 09 May 2022

Business Context and Reporting Period

Company: EXICURE, INC.
Filing Type: Form 8-K (Current Report)
Date of Report: May 9, 2022
Reporting Period: Event-based (May 9, 2022)
Context: The Company, an emerging growth company, entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement to conduct a private placement of common stock to fund its preclinical development programs.

Key Financial Metrics

Capital Raise Details:

  • Shares Issued: 26,021,111 shares of Common Stock.
  • Purchase Price: $0.1937 per share.
  • Gross Proceeds: Approximately $5.0 million (before offering expenses).
  • Net Proceeds: Not explicitly stated; gross proceeds are subject to estimated offering expenses.

Use of Proceeds: Development of the SCN9A product candidate, advancement of preclinical programs, and general working capital.

Other Metrics: The filing does not provide data on revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity positions.

Material Changes

This filing reports a material definitive agreement and unregistered sales of equity securities rather than operational performance changes. Key changes include:

  • Capital Structure: Dilution of existing shareholders via the issuance of approximately 26 million new shares.
  • Board Composition: CBI USA, Inc. (lead investor) gains the right to nominate one member to the Board of Directors and designate one non-voting observer, subject to Board approval and Nasdaq independence rules.
  • Liquidity Event: Anticipated cash inflow of ~$5.0 million upon closing (expected on or about May 19, 2022).

Guidance, Outlook, and Risks

Outlook and Management Commentary:

  • The Company expects the private placement to close on or about May 19, 2022, subject to customary conditions.
  • Proceeds are targeted specifically at advancing the SCN9A product candidate.

Risks and Contingencies:

  • Closing Risk: The transaction is subject to satisfaction of closing conditions; failure to close would result in no proceeds.
  • Registration Rights Penalty: If the Company fails to file a registration statement for the resale of shares by July 18, 2022 (90 days post-closing), it must pay liquidated damages of 0.5% of the aggregate investment per 30-day period.
  • Forward-Looking Statements: Actual results may differ materially due to risks outlined in the Company's 2021 Form 10-K.

Investor Verification Checklist

  • Verify the actual closing date and final net proceeds received after deducting offering expenses.
  • Confirm the identity of the director nominee and observer appointed by CBI USA.
  • Monitor the filing of the registration statement for resale of shares by the July 18, 2022 deadline to avoid liquidated damages.
  • Review the full text of the Securities Purchase Agreement (Exhibit 10.1) for specific covenants and conditions.
  • Assess the impact of the ~26 million share issuance on existing shareholder dilution.