Xenetic Biosciences Announces All-Stock Merger with Santersus
Xenetic Biosciences (NASDAQ:XBIO) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire privately held Santersus AG in an all-stock merger. The transaction is expected to result in the formation of a new Nasdaq-listed company named Santersus Bio, Inc., with the ticker symbol SNTS. Existing Xenetic shareholders will retain approximately 15% ownership, while Santersus shareholders are set to own around 85%, subject to adjustments based on financial terms at closing. The merger combines four clinical programs targeting neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), including two with FDA Breakthrough Device Designation. These include NucleoCapture from Santersus and DNase technology from Xenetic, which aim to treat conditions such as sepsis, systemic lupus erythematosus, liver transplantation, and B-cell lymphoma. The combined company will be led by Santersus CEO James Ladtkow, with a new board composed of six Santersus nominees and two Xenetic nominees. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026 after shareholder approval and Nasdaq listing requirements are met.
Tickers: $XBIO
Topics: clinical programs mergers and acquisitions stock ownership changes