Onconetix Signs Letter Of Intent Contemplating Business Combination With Ocuvex Therapeutics

CINCINNATI, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Onconetix, Inc. (NASDAQ:ONCO) ("Onconetix" or the "Company") (formerly Blue Water Biotech Inc.) and Ocuvex Therapeutics, Inc. ("Ocuvex"), a privately held biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of ophthalmic therapeutic candidates to address highly prevalent diseases in need of new treatment options, today announced that they have signed a Non-Binding Letter of Intent contemplating a potential business combination transaction with Ocuvex.

Andrew J. Oakley, Chairman of the Board of Onconetix, stated, "We are excited about the opportunity to combine forces with Ocuvex, whose pipeline of commercial and late clinical stage ophthalmic assets will immediately expand our reach beyond oncology , enhancing shareholder value."

Anthony W. Amato, President, CEO of Ocuvex, commented, "With an already FDA approved product, and late stage clinical assets, we believe that combining with Onconetix will allow us to broaden access to capital while continuing to focus on innovation and customer satisfaction. This is an exciting new chapter for our employees, customers, and stakeholders."

Onconetix and Ocuvex will continue negotiations to enter into a definitive agreement. Upon closing of the proposed transaction, Onconetix will acquire all the issued and outstanding equity interests of Ocuvex in exchange for newly issued shares of common stock of Onconetix. Immediately following the closing of the proposed transaction, the pre-closing Ocuvex equity holders will own approximately 90% of the equity interests in Onconetix.  

The Letter of Intent only represents a mutual indication of interest regarding the proposed transaction, and the terms of any such transaction are subject to a number of contingencies, including the completion of due diligence and the negotiation and execution of a definitive agreement. Completion of the proposed transaction will be subject to customary conditions, including (i) the completion of adequate financing, and (ii) the obtainment of applicable regulatory, stockholder and third-party approvals. There can be no assurance that a definitive agreement will be executed or that the proposed transaction will completed as proposed, or at all.