Core Viewpoint - Exagen Inc. has secured a term loan credit facility of up to $75 million from Perceptive Advisors, with an initial funding of $25 million aimed at refinancing existing debt and enhancing the company's balance sheet [1][3]. Financing Details - The first tranche of $25 million was utilized to retire Exagen's existing term debt with Innovatus Capital Partners [3]. - Additional tranches include $10 million available through March 31, 2026, and another $10 million through December 31, 2026, both contingent on achieving specific revenue milestones [8]. - A business development tranche of $30 million is also available through March 31, 2027, at Perceptive's discretion [8]. Loan Terms - The interest rate for the credit agreement is set at Term SOFR + 7%, with a SOFR floor of 4.75% [5]. - Exagen will make interest-only payments for the first 60 months, with the total principal and interest due at maturity [5]. - The loan is secured by substantially all of Exagen's assets [5]. Equity Component - Exagen issued a warrant to Perceptive for 400,000 shares of common stock, with specific exercise prices based on the 10-day VWAP prior to the closing [6]. - Up to an additional 750,000 warrants may be issued, with exercise prices tied to the 10-day VWAP preceding each tranche's funding date [6]. Company Overview - Exagen Inc. is a leading provider of autoimmune diagnostics, focused on improving patient care through innovative testing solutions [10]. - The company's flagship product, AVISE CTD, aids in the diagnosis of complex autoimmune conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis [10]. - Exagen is committed to addressing challenges in autoimmune disease management through research, innovation, and patient-centered care [10].

Market Overview - The global rapid microbiology testing market was valued at USD 4.81 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 13.89 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.12% from 2024 to 2034 [2][11][13] Market Drivers - Key factors driving market growth include the rising incidence of infectious diseases, emphasis on early and accurate disease detection, increased public awareness regarding food safety, government initiatives, and growth opportunities in developing countries [2][4] Product Segmentation - The instruments segment generated the highest revenue in 2023 due to automation, efficiency, and broader testing capabilities. The reagents and kits segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by demand for specific and user-friendly tests [5] Application Segmentation - The clinical disease diagnosis segment was the highest revenue-generating application in 2023, reflecting the critical need for prompt diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. The food and beverage testing segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR due to increasing concerns about food safety and stringent regulations [6] Method Segmentation - Nucleic acid-based rapid microbiology testing accounted for the highest revenue in 2023, attributed to its high sensitivity and specificity for pathogen detection. The growth-based rapid microbiology testing segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR, owing to its simplicity and affordability [7] End-User Segmentation - Laboratories and hospitals represented the highest revenue-generating end-user segment in 2023, driven by the need for rapid diagnosis and treatment. The food and beverage company segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR due to heightened focus on food safety and quality control [8] Regional Insights - North America is expected to hold the largest revenue share during the forecast period, supported by a well-established healthcare infrastructure and early adoption of advanced technologies. The Asia Pacific region is predicted to grow at the fastest CAGR, driven by rising healthcare awareness and increasing disposable income [9]