Aspire Biopharma explores merger with PowerUp Acquisition

HUMACAO, PR and NEW YORK, NY – Aspire Biopharma, Inc., an early-stage biopharmaceutical company, and PowerUp Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company, announced today their intention to merge, pending the negotiation of a definitive agreement. This potential business combination aims to list the merged entity on a national securities exchange.

Aspire Biopharma, founded in 2021, specializes in developing drug delivery technologies that enhance the efficacy, safety, and patient compliance of FDA-approved drugs, nutraceuticals, and supplements.

The company’s lead product, Instaprin™, is a fast-acting, pH-neutral aspirin formulation designed for emergency cardiology situations and pain management. Aspire plans to submit a New Drug Application for Instaprin™ under the FDA’s 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway, which could expedite the approval process by referencing existing safety and efficacy data from similar approved drugs.

In addition to Instaprin™, Aspire is developing a range of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products, including a combination of Viagra and Cialis, bi-hormonal drugs, and treatments for traumatic brain injury and thyroid disorders. The company has expanded its patent portfolio internationally and is in the process of filing additional patents for new drugs under development.

Kraig Higginson, CEO of Aspire, expressed optimism about the merger, stating it would enhance the company’s visibility and access to capital, which is crucial for developing its broad product portfolio. Suren Ajjarapu, CEO of PowerUp Acquisition Corp., also commented on the potential growth opportunities for investors resulting from the merger.

The companies anticipate finalizing their definitive business combination agreement shortly and will disclose further details at that time. However, there is no guarantee that a final agreement will be reached or that the proposed transaction will be completed as currently contemplated, or at all.

The transaction is subject to various conditions, including approvals from investors, third parties, and regulatory bodies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and a national securities exchange.

InvestingPro Insights

As Aspire Biopharma gears up for a potential merger with PowerUp Acquisition Corp., investors are closely monitoring the financial health and market behavior of PowerUp. According to InvestingPro data, PowerUp Acquisition Corp. currently holds a market capitalization of $87.36 million. The company’s P/E ratio stands at a negative -162.88, indicating that investors may have concerns about its profitability, especially considering its adjusted P/E ratio for the last twelve months as of Q1 2024 is also negative at -99.79.

InvestingPro Tips suggest that PowerUp suffers from weak gross profit margins and has not been profitable over the last twelve months. This aligns with the company’s reported operating income, which is adjusted to a loss of $3.54 million for the same period. These financial challenges are crucial for stakeholders to consider, especially in the context of a merger that aims to boost visibility and access to capital for Aspire Biopharma’s ambitious product development plans.

Moreover, PowerUp’s stock price often moves in the opposite direction of the market, which could be a point of interest for investors looking for a hedge or a counter-cyclical investment opportunity. However, this characteristic also suggests potential volatility that investors should be aware of.

For those interested in delving deeper into PowerUp’s financial nuances, InvestingPro offers additional insights. There are a total of 5 InvestingPro Tips listed on the platform that can provide investors with a more comprehensive understanding of the company’s financial position and market behavior.

The proposed merger between Aspire Biopharma and PowerUp Acquisition Corp. is a significant step for both entities, and understanding PowerUp’s financial metrics and market behavior is essential for investors considering the future prospects of the merged entity.

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