Biotron Expands Horizons: Hepatitis B Progress Meets Sedarex Acquisition
Biotron Limited has advanced its Hepatitis B antiviral program while preparing to acquire Sedarex Limited, backed by a $2.5 million capital raise. The move signals a strategic expansion into safer anaesthetics alongside ongoing R&D progress.
- Continued evaluation of lead Hepatitis B compound in animal models
- Appointment of Michael Medway as Non-Executive Director
- Acquisition of Sedarex Limited pending shareholder approval
- $2.5 million capital raising via placement and rights issue
- Quarterly R&D spend of $78,000 plus $139,000 in staff costs
Biotron Advances Hepatitis B Research
During the September 2025 quarter, Biotron Limited maintained its focus on developing its lead antiviral compound targeting Hepatitis B virus (HBV). The company progressed preclinical assessments in two mouse models and associated cell cultures, following an initial animal study completed in June. These efforts underpin Biotron’s commitment to advancing its clinical asset BIT225, aiming to address a significant unmet medical need in chronic HBV infection.
Strategic Board Appointment and Commercialisation Efforts
In July, Biotron strengthened its leadership team by appointing Michael Medway as a Non-Executive Director, bringing additional expertise to support its growth trajectory. Concurrently, the company continued its commercialisation activities in partnership with the US-based C14 Consulting Group, which was engaged to help secure strategic partnerships for its antiviral portfolio.
Sedarex Acquisition and Capital Raising
Post-quarter, Biotron announced a transformative acquisition of Sedarex Limited, a private company holding global patents for SedRx™, a next-generation general anaesthetic. SedRx leverages alfaxalone, an active ingredient with a proven safety record in Europe, reformulated to eliminate previous safety concerns and preserve cognitive function post-procedure. Early clinical studies have demonstrated superior safety and cognitive outcomes compared to existing anaesthetics, with regulatory pathways supported by the FDA and potential for expedited European approval.
The acquisition, subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting, is being financed through a $2.5 million capital raising. This comprises a $1 million placement led by Peak Asset Management, with the first tranche raising approximately $597,000, and a planned $1.5 million rights issue on the same terms. The deal positions Biotron to diversify into the high-growth neuroscientific and anaesthetic markets, complementing its antiviral focus.
Financial Overview and Outlook
Biotron reported quarterly research and development expenditure of $78,000, alongside $139,000 in related staff costs. Payments to related parties, including director fees and salaries, totaled $139,000. The company ended the quarter with $502,000 in cash, down from $932,000, reflecting ongoing operational expenses. Management confirmed that with the new capital raising, Biotron expects to maintain operations and continue its strategic initiatives.
Looking ahead, the company’s next steps include securing shareholder approval for the Sedarex acquisition and completing the rights issue. Success in these areas will be critical to funding ongoing R&D and commercialisation efforts, while potentially unlocking value through SedRx’s promising clinical profile.
Bottom Line?
Biotron’s dual focus on antiviral innovation and strategic acquisition sets the stage for a pivotal growth phase, contingent on shareholder backing and successful capital deployment.
Questions in the middle?
- Will shareholders approve the Sedarex acquisition and associated capital raising?
- How will Biotron integrate SedRx development alongside its Hepatitis B program?
- What milestones and timelines can investors expect for SedRx’s regulatory progress?
