Onconetix Leaps on Ocuvex Merger; Oragenics Secures US Drug Manufacturing

Onconetix said it has signed a definitive agreement to merge with privately held Ocuvex Therapeutics, a deal that prompted a trading halt in Onconetix shares after they jumped 34.7% in pre-market dealings on Wednesday. The companies did not immediately disclose financial terms or an expected closing date. The transaction is expected to combine Onconetix’s oncology pipeline with Ocuvex’s ophthalmology assets, broadening the combined group’s therapeutic focus. Separately, Oragenics announced a manufacturing pact with Sterling Pharma Solutions to produce ONP-002, its intranasal treatment for concussion, under current Good Manufacturing Practice standards in the United States. The agreement secures drug supply ahead of a Phase IIb proof-of-concept trial that the Sarasota, Florida-based biotech plans to launch next year. Oragenics shares were up about 2.2% in pre-market trading following the news.