Vera Therapeutics(US:VERA) Globenewswire·2025-06-03 10:30Core Viewpoint - Vera Therapeutics has secured a new credit facility of up to $500 million to support its growth and development of treatments for serious immunological diseases, particularly focusing on the pivotal atacicept program for IgA nephropathy [1][2][3] Group 1: Credit Facility Details - The new credit facility replaces an existing $50 million facility and includes an initial funding of $75 million expected on June 4, 2025 [1] - The refinancing reduces interest expenses significantly, lowering the borrowing cost by 320 basis points, with a new interest rate of 1-month SOFR plus 4.95%, subject to a SOFR floor of 3.75% [5] - The facility provides an additional $450 million of discretionary incremental capacity available in five tranches, allowing Vera to draw funds based on specific milestones and approvals [5] Group 2: Strategic Implications - The new credit facility enhances Vera's financial flexibility, allowing for an extended interest-only period of up to 42 months and no principal payments required in 2026 [5] - The refinancing is expected to improve Vera's ability to manage its capital structure efficiently and support the commercial launch of atacicept [2][5] - Vera aims to submit a Biologics License Application (BLA) to the FDA in Q4 2025, with potential approval and commercial launch of atacicept in 2026 [2][3] Group 3: Company Overview - Vera Therapeutics is focused on developing transformative treatments for serious immunological diseases, with its lead product candidate being atacicept, which targets B-cell Activating Factor (BAFF) and APRIL [4] - The company holds an exclusive license agreement with Stanford University for a next-generation fusion protein, VT-109, aimed at treating B cell-mediated diseases [4][6] - Vera is also developing MAU868, a monoclonal antibody designed to neutralize BK virus infections, which can have severe consequences in kidney transplant settings [4][6]