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Novo-backed Windward Bio targets $1 billion valuation in US IPO

Reuters
Novo-backed Windward Bio targets $1 billion valuation in US IPO

Nov 9 (Reuters) - Swiss drug ‌developer Windward Bio Group AG is targeting a valuation of up to $1 billion ​in its ‌US initial public offering, as a strong run ‌for the biotech IPO market extends into November.

Here are some other details:

• Basel, Switzerland-based Windward ‌is seeking to raise up to $185.3 million in the US IPO by selling roughly 10.3 million shares priced between $16 and $18, it said on Monday

• The healthcare ⁠industry, which is seen as a defensive sector, ‌has anchored the fall ⁠IPO window this year as choppy market conditions and ​rising borrowing costs weigh on activity from other sectors

• Drug developer Rezera also kicked off ​its US IPO roadshow last week and ​is ‌expected to go public in New York this week

• ​Windward has raised $310 million in equity financing ⁠from Novo Holdings and other ‌healthcare investors including, ​OrbiMed, Blue Owl and RTW ​Investments.

• The firm is developing antibody medicines for patients with serious respiratory and dermatologic diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and atopic ‌dermatitis

• French drugmaker Sanofi has agreed to purchase $50 million of shares and pre-funded warrants in a ‌private placement

• ​Jefferies, TD Cowen, Piper Sandler and UBS Investment Bank are underwriting the offering

• Windward Bio will list on the Nasdaq under the symbol “WWB”

(Reporting by Arasu Kannagi ‌Basil in Bengaluru; Editing by Vijay Kishore)