TORONTO and GERMANTOWN, Md., Oct. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sernova Biotherapeutics Inc. (“Sernova”) (TSX: SVA) (OTC: SEOVF) (FSE/XETRA: PSHO) and Seraxis Holdings, Inc. (“Seraxis”) today announced the closing of the previously announced targeted US$10 million non-brokered convertible note financing in connection with their proposed merger (the 'Merger') to form BetaNova Biotherapeutics, Inc.

多伦多和马里兰州日耳曼敦，2026年10月5日（环球电讯社）——Sernova Biotherapeutics Inc.（“Sernova”）（TSX: SVA）（OTC: SEOVF）（FSE/XETRA: PSHO）与Seraxis Holdings, Inc.（“Seraxis”）今日宣布，此前宣布的旨在筹集1,000万美元的非经纪可转换票据融资已顺利完成，该融资与其拟议的合并交易（“合并”）相关，合并后将成立BetaNova Biotherapeutics, Inc.。

(“BetaNova”)..

（“BetaNova”）..

The US$11.2 million financing into Seraxis includes participation from insiders, Dr. Steven Sangha / Arlo Investments, Sernova management; Jonathan Rigby CEO, James Parsons CFO, Marylyn Rigby CCO, and David Burke VP IR, as well as Seraxis management; Will Rust Ph.D. CEO, and Carole Welsch Ph.D. COO.

Seraxis获得的1,120万美元融资包括内部人士的参与，即Steven Sangha博士/Arlo Investments、Sernova管理层（首席执行官Jonathan Rigby、首席财务官James Parsons、首席商务官Marylyn Rigby以及投资者关系副总裁David Burke），以及Seraxis管理层（首席执行官Will Rust博士和首席运营官Carole Welsch博士）。

Existing shareholders and new investors also participated in the financing..

现有股东和新投资者也参与了此次融资。

Proceeds from the financing are expected to support:

融资所得款项预计将用于支持：

cGMP manufacturing of SR-02, allogeneic stem cell-derived pancreatic islet cells;

SR-02的cGMP生产，异体干细胞来源的胰岛细胞；

Enrollment of patients with T1D in Q4 for Phase 1 / 2 clinical trial;

第四季度启动1型糖尿病患者的1/2期临床试验入组；

First patient dosing of SR-02 in Phase 1/2 clinical trial in Q1 2027 under an FDA-cleared IND with initial clinical data anticipated in H1 2027;

SR-02 在 FDA 批准的 IND 下，于 2027 年第一季度启动 I/II 期临床试验的首例患者给药，预计 2027 年上半年获得初步临床数据；

Nasdaq listing readiness targeted for Q1 2027, subject to satisfaction of applicable listing requirements and approvals; and

目标在2027年第一季度达到纳斯达克上市准备状态，前提是满足适用的上市要求并获得批准；且

Advancement of SR-03, the next-generation gene-edited pancreatic islet cell program targeting immune evasion, toward an IND submission in the second half of 2027.

推进下一代靶向免疫逃逸的基因编辑胰岛细胞项目 SR-03，力争于 2027 年下半年提交新药临床试验申请（IND）。

“This financing puts capital directly behind the milestones we have outlined for BetaNova as we passionately advance towards a potential functional cure for people living with T1D,” said Jonathan Rigby, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sernova. “With the financing now closed, we believe BetaNova is positioned to successfully compete with other companies in the T1D cell therapy space by entering the clinic in the near term.

Sernova 总裁兼首席执行官 Jonathan Rigby 表示：“这笔融资为我们为 BetaNova 规划的里程碑提供了直接的资金支持，我们将满怀热情地推进工作，旨在为 1 型糖尿病（T1D）患者实现潜在的功能性治愈。随着此次融资的完成，我们相信 BetaNova 已具备有利条件，能够通过近期进入临床试验阶段，在 T1D 细胞治疗领域与其他公司展开成功竞争。”

Our focus is on execution, while deploying capital efficiently.”.

我们的重点是执行，同时高效地部署资本。

“Closing the financing provides the resources to advance the manufacturing activities required to support SR-02 islet cells and prepare for initiation of the Phase 1/2 clinical trial,” said Will Rust, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Seraxis. “As we work toward completion of the Merger, our teams are aligned around a shared mission, a clear development strategy and a defined set of milestones for 2026 and 2027.”.

“完成融资为推进支持SR-02胰岛细胞所需的制造活动以及为启动1/2期临床试验做好准备提供了资源，”Seraxis公司总裁兼首席执行官Will Rust博士表示。“在我们努力完成合并的过程中，我们的团队围绕共同的使命、清晰的发展战略以及2026年和2027年明确的一系列里程碑保持一致。”

Proposed Merger

拟议合并

Sernova and Seraxis entered into a definitive merger agreement on September 7, 2026, to form BetaNova, combining Seraxis’ stem cell-derived pancreatic islet programs and cGMP manufacturing capabilities with Sernova’s Cell Pouch Bio-hybrid Organ. The completion of the Merger is subject to required approvals and customary closing conditions.

Sernova与Seraxis于2026年9月7日签署最终合并协议，共同组建BetaNova，将Seraxis的干细胞衍生胰岛项目及cGMP生产能力与Sernova的Cell Pouch生物混合器官相结合。本次合并的完成须以获得所需批准及满足惯例交割条件为前提。

Upon completion, each of Sernova and Seraxis shareholders are expected to collectively own approximately 50% of BetaNova on a non-diluted basis..

交易完成后，Sernova 和 Seraxis 的股东预计将合计持有 BetaNova 约 50% 的股份（按非稀释基础计算）。

Noble Capital Markets, Inc. is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Sernova in connection with the proposed Merger.

Noble Capital Markets, Inc. 正在就拟议的合并事宜担任 Sernova 的独家财务顾问。

About the Financing

关于融资

The US$11.2 million financing consists of convertible notes and common stock purchase warrants of Seraxis issued on a non-brokered basis. Upon completion of the Merger, the notes are expected to automatically convert into common stock of BetaNova.

这笔1,120万美元的融资由以非经纪方式发行的Seraxis可转换票据和普通股认购权证组成。在合并完成后，这些票据预计将自动转换为BetaNova的普通股。

ABOUT BETANOVA BIOTHERAPEUTICS, INC.

关于贝塔诺瓦生物治疗公司

BetaNova Biotherapeutics, Inc. is the proposed combined company of Sernova Biotherapeutics Inc. and Seraxis Holdings, Inc. Subject to completion of the proposed transaction, BetaNova will be a clinical-stage regenerative medicine company focused on advancing cell-replacement therapies for type 1 diabetes.

BetaNova Biotherapeutics, Inc. 是 Sernova Biotherapeutics Inc. 与 Seraxis Holdings, Inc. 拟议合并后成立的公司。待拟议交易完成后，BetaNova 将成为一家临床阶段的再生医学公司，专注于推进针对1型糖尿病的细胞替代疗法。

BetaNova will combine Seraxis' stem cell-derived islet cell and cGMP manufacturing platform with Sernova's Cell Pouch Bio-hybrid Organ..

BetaNova 将把 Seraxis 的干细胞衍生胰岛细胞及其 cGMP 制造平台与 Sernova 的 Cell Pouch 生物混合器官相结合。

ABOUT SERNOVA BIOTHERAPEUTICS INC.

关于 Sernova Biotherapeutics Inc.

Sernova Biotherapeutics Inc. is a clinical-stage company developing a regenerative medicine solution for T1D that combines its Cell Pouch implantation device, deep clinical experience in the engraftment of functional pancreatic cells, and therapeutic cells to create a Bio-hybrid, functional surrogate endocrine organ..

Sernova Biotherapeutics Inc. 是一家处于临床阶段的公司，正在开发一种针对1型糖尿病（T1D）的再生医学解决方案。该方案结合了其Cell Pouch植入装置、在功能性胰腺细胞植入方面的深厚临床经验以及治疗性细胞，旨在构建一种生物混合型的功能性替代内分泌器官。

ABOUT SERAXIS HOLDINGS, INC.

关于瑟拉西斯控股公司

Seraxis Holdings, Inc. develops stem cell-derived pancreatic islets under cGMP manufacturing processes. Seraxis’ mission is to demonstrate safety and potency of its islets in T1D patients without immune suppression therapy. To accomplish this goal, its lead allogeneic product, SR-02, is paired with an immune tolerizing strategy.

Seraxis Holdings, Inc. 在符合现行药品生产质量管理规范（cGMP）的生产工艺下开发源自干细胞的胰腺胰岛。Seraxis 的使命是在无需免疫抑制治疗的情况下，验证其胰岛在1型糖尿病（T1D）患者中的安全性和有效性。为实现这一目标，其主要同种异体产品 SR-02 与一种免疫耐受诱导策略联合使用。

Seraxis’ follow-on product SR-03 adds gene edits to SR-02 that increase compatibility with the host and potentially enhance long-term engraftment without immune suppression..

Seraxis的后续产品SR-03在SR-02的基础上增加了基因编辑，以提高与宿主的相容性，并可能在无需免疫抑制的情况下增强长期植入效果。

For Further Information Contact:

如需更多信息，请联系：

Investor Relations

投资者关系

David Burke

大卫·伯克

Vice President, Investor Relations

投资者关系副总裁

Sernova Biotherapeutics Inc.

Sernova Biotherapeutics Inc.

(917) 751-5713

(917) 751-5713

David.Burke@sernova.com

David.Burke@sernova.com

Media

媒体

Gloria Gasaatura

格洛丽亚·加萨图拉

VP, LifeSci Communications

副总裁，生命科学传播

SernovaPR@lifescicomms.com

SernovaPR@lifescicomms.com

Forward-Looking Information

前瞻性信息

This news release contains 'forward-looking statements' and 'forward-looking information' within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Particularly statements and information regarding the proposed Merger of Sernova and Seraxis, the anticipated formation of BetaNova, the anticipated use of proceeds from the financing, manufacturing of SR-02, the timing of patient dosing and availability of clinical data, development of SR-03, and the anticipated completion of the Merger.

本新闻稿包含适用证券法意义上的“前瞻性陈述”和“前瞻性信息”。特别是有关Sernova与Seraxis拟议合并、BetaNova的预期成立、融资所得款项的预期用途、SR-02的生产、患者给药及临床数据公布的时间安排、SR-03的开发以及合并预期完成情况的陈述和信息。

In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “targets”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “an opportunity exists”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “outlook”, “forecasts”, “projection”, “prospects”, “strategy”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “does not anticipate”, “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will”, “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”.

在某些情况下，前瞻性信息可以通过使用前瞻性术语来识别，例如“计划”、“目标”、“预期”或“不预期”、“预计”、“存在机会”、“预算”、“预定”、“估计”、“展望”、“预测”、“投射”、“前景”、“战略”、“打算”、“预料”、“不预料”、“相信”，或这些词语和短语的变体，或表明某些行动、事件或结果“可能”、“能够”、“将会”、“或许”、“将”、“将被采取”、“发生”或“得以实现”的陈述。

In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information..

此外，任何提及对未来事件或情况的预期、意图、预测或其他描述的陈述均包含前瞻性信息。

Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management’s expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances. These statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the receipt, in a timely manner, of shareholder, court and regulatory approvals in respect of the Merger, the expected closing date for the Merger and BetaNova’s leadership, business prospects and operations following closing of the Merger and the anticipated use of proceeds and results thereof from the non-brokered financing.

包含前瞻性信息的陈述并非历史事实，而是代表管理层对未来事件或情况的预期、估计和预测。这些陈述包括但不限于：关于及时获得股东、法院及监管机构对合并的批准；合并的预期交割日期；以及合并交割后 BetaNova 的领导层、业务前景和运营状况；还有非经纪融资所得款项的预期用途及其相关结果。

Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information in this press release is based on our opinions, estimates and assumptions in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that we currently believe are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances.

不应过度依赖前瞻性信息。本新闻稿中的前瞻性信息基于我们的观点、估计和假设，并结合了我们对历史趋势、当前状况及预期未来发展的经验与认知，以及我们认为在当前情况下适当且合理的其他因素。

Despite a careful process to prepare and review the forward-looking information, there can be no assurance that the underlying opinions, estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. Further, forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to risks relating to regulatory interactions, manufacturing, patient recruitment, clinical development, financing requirements, completion of the proposed Merger and satisfaction of applicable Nasdaq listing requirements..

尽管在编制和审阅前瞻性信息的过程中已采取审慎措施，但无法保证基础意见、估计和假设将被证实为正确。此外，前瞻性信息受已知和未知的风险、不确定性及其他因素影响，这些因素可能导致实际结果、活动水平、业绩或成就与前瞻性信息所明示或暗示的内容存在重大差异，包括但不限于与监管互动、生产、患者招募、临床开发、融资需求、拟议合并的完成以及满足适用的纳斯达克上市要求相关的风险。

Additional information about the risks and uncertainties of Sernova’s business and material risk factors or assumptions on which information contained in forward-looking information is based is provided in Sernova’s disclosure materials, including Sernova’s most recently filed news release, annual information form and any subsequently-filed interim management’s discussion and analysis, which are available under our profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

有关Sernova业务的风险与不确定性，以及前瞻性信息中所载信息所依据的重大风险因素或假设的更多信息，请参阅Sernova的披露文件，包括其最近发布的新闻稿、年度信息表以及随后提交的任何中期管理层讨论与分析。这些文件可在SEDAR+网站（www.sedarplus.ca）上我们的公司档案中查阅。

There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date made.

无法保证此类信息将被证明是准确的，因为实际结果和未来事件可能与该信息中预期的情况存在重大差异。因此，读者不应过度依赖前瞻性信息，该等信息仅反映其作出之日的状况。

The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents our expectations as of the date of this news release and is subject to change after such date. Sernova disclaims any intention or obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities law..

本新闻稿中包含的前瞻性信息反映了本公司截至本新闻稿发布之日的预期，并可能在该日期之后发生变动。除非适用证券法另有要求，Sernova 不承担任何因新信息、未来事件或其他原因而更新或修订任何前瞻性信息的意图、义务或承诺。