Electra Therapeutics targets $977.6 million valuation in US IPO

Drug developer Electra Therapeutics is aiming for a $977.6 million valuation in its upcoming U.S. initial public offering, according to a filing on Monday, as biotech listings have experienced a resurgence this year. The California-based company, headquartered in South San Francisco, plans to raise up to $346.7 million by offering approximately 21.67 million shares priced between $14 and $16 each.

The IPO occurs during a slower-than-usual fall window for initial public offerings, which has been impacted by macroeconomic uncertainty and market volatility. Despite this, biotech offerings have generally rebounded in recent times. Electra Therapeutics is a late-clinical-stage biotech firm that focuses on developing therapies targeting signal regulatory proteins to treat immunological diseases and cancer.

The company's lead experimental drug, ipsoprubart, aims to target harmful immune cells associated with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, a severe condition characterized by an excessively active immune system. This drug is currently being tested in a global study to facilitate approval. Electra Therapeutics intends to utilize the IPO proceeds to finance clinical trials for ipsoprubart, advance its second drug candidate, ELA822, and maintain its working capital and other corporate requirements.

The shares will be listed on Nasdaq under the symbol ETRA, with underwriters including Jefferies, TD Cowen, Evercore ISI, and Cantor.