Lowenstein Sandler and Gracin & Marlow, LLP are representing Aravive Biologics, Inc., a privately held clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of serious cancers and certain fibrotic diseases, as co-counsel in the pending merger of Aravive and a wholly owned subsidiary of Versartis, Inc. (NASDAQ:VSAR) in an all-stock transaction.
Versartis is a biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing innovative therapeutics for the life sciences industry. As a result of the transaction, the joint Houston, Texas-based company will work to develop clinical stage therapies aimed to target oncology and certain fibrotic disease patients.
The anticipated merger offers Aravive financial resources and experienced leadership that will help drive a successful, innovative oncology corporation through the blend of Aravive’s scientific capabilities and Versartis’ commercial planning and development expertise. With the combined talent and finances, Versartis will look to advance its clinical development program over the next two years.
The transaction is expected to close during the latter half of 2018, contingent upon stockholder approval of both companies and other customary closing conditions.
The Lowenstein team included Alan Wovsaniker and Andrew E. Graw.
