Toronto, Ontario - TheNewswire - August 22, 2023 - Helix BioPharma Corp. (TSX:HBP) (“Helix” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing unique therapies in the field of immuno-oncology, based on its proprietary technological platform DOS47, today announces that it has closed the first tranche of private placement financing for gross proceeds of CAD $2,998,000 from the issuance of 16,655,557 common shares at a price of $0.18 per common share.

The purchase of common shares by directors/ insiders is considered a “related party transaction” within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61- 101”). The Company relied on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of the insiders purchase of common shares. The Company did not file a material change report in respect of the related party transaction less than 21 days prior to the closing of the private placement, which the Company deems reasonable in the circumstances so as to be able to avail itself of the proceeds of the private placement in an expeditious manner.

“We would like to thank all investors for their strong support and confidence in Helix. We look forward to continued efforts toward this exciting program” said Mr. Antas, CEO of Helix.

The common shares issued pursuant to the Private Placement are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day, in accordance with applicable securities law. ARM Asset Risk Management acted as the placement agent for the offering.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the private placement for working capital and advancing the Company’s L-DOS47 drug development program.

The securities offered have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities in the United States.

Board Changes

The Company announces the appointment of Mr. Janusz Grabski to the board of directors of the Company with an immediate effect. Mr. Grabski is a lawyer specialized in corporate law and real estate law with over twenty years of experience. Mr. Grabski is based in Warsaw, Poland.  Alongside the appointment, the Company also announces resignation of Mr. Christopher Maciejewski from the board of directors of the Company due to personal reasons.  

“On behalf of Helix, I would like to thank Mr. Maciejewski for his service and wish him the best. The Board and Management welcome Mr. Grabski to the board and look forward to working with him” said Mr. Jacek Antas.

About Helix BioPharma Corp.

Helix BioPharma Corp. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing unique therapies in the field of immune-oncology for the prevention and treatment of cancer based on our proprietary technological platform DOS47. Helix is listed on the TSX under the symbol “HBP”.

For more information, please contact:

Helix BioPharma Corp.

Suite 2704, 401 Bay Street Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2Y4

Tel: 905-841-2300

Namrata Malhotra, Corporate Secretary

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Forward-Looking Statements and Risks and Uncertainties

This news release contains forward-looking statements and information (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements and information that are not historical facts but instead include financial projections and estimates, statements regarding plans, goals, objectives, intentions and expectations with respect to the Company’s future business, operations, research and development, including the Company’s activities relating to DOS47. Forward-looking statements can further be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “ongoing”, “estimates”, “expects”, or the negative thereof or any other variations thereon or comparable terminology referring to future events or results, or that events or conditions “will”, “may”, “could”, or “should” occur or be achieved, or comparable terminology referring to future events or results.

Forward-looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain and are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that are also uncertain. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward- looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Forward-looking statements, including financial outlooks, are intended to provide information about management’s current plans and expectations regarding future operations, including without limitation, future financing requirements, and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Certain material factors, estimates or assumptions have been applied in making forward-looking statements in this news release.

The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including without limitation; the risk that the Company’s assumptions may prove to be incorrect; the risk that additional financing may not be obtainable in a timely manner, or at all, and that clinical trials may not commence or complete within anticipated timelines or the anticipated budget or may fail; third party suppliers of necessary services or of drug product and other materials may fail to perform or be unwilling or unable to supply the Company, which could cause delay or cancellation of the Company’s research and development activities; necessary regulatory approvals may not be granted or may be withdrawn; the Company may not be able to secure necessary strategic partner support; general economic conditions, intellectual property and insurance risks; changes in business strategy or plans; and other risks and uncertainties referred to elsewhere in this news release, any of which could cause actual results to vary materially from current results or the Company’s anticipated future results. Certain of these risks and uncertainties, and others affecting the Company, are more fully described in the Company’s annual management’s discussion and analysis for the year ended July 31, 2022 under the heading “Risks and Uncertainties” and Helix’s Annual Information Form, in particular under the headings “Forward-looking Statements” and “Risk Factors”, and other reports filed under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com from time to time. Forward-looking statements and information are based on the beliefs, assumptions, opinions and expectations of Helix’s management on the date of this new release, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statement or information should those beliefs, assumptions, opinions or expectations, or other circumstances change, except as required.