MEI Pharma Makes Historic Move With $100M Litecoin Treasury Strategy

MEI Pharma’s announcement stunned both the biotech and crypto sectors as it revealed a $100 million private placement intended to fund Litecoin purchases. The deal was backed by high-profile investors including Charlie Lee, the creator of Litecoin, who also joined the company’s board. The company’s stock spiked over 50% following the news, driven by retail interest and crypto community enthusiasm. MEI has thus positioned itself as the first publicly listed company to integrate Litecoin into its treasury strategy.

While Bitcoin and Ethereum have seen growing adoption on corporate balance sheets, Litecoin has largely remained in the background. MEI’s move suggests the company is making a strategic play to differentiate itself while tapping into crypto-native capital pools. The move also aligns with a broader narrative that alternative coins may find niche adoption if paired with credible governance and use cases. Still, critics warn that using treasury funds for a high-volatility asset like Litecoin may expose the company to significant balance sheet risk.

The success of this move will depend on execution, transparency, and investor communication. Shareholders will likely demand clearer articulation of how the Litecoin holdings support corporate strategy and whether future cash flows could be affected. If MEI manages the integration prudently, it may set a precedent for second-tier digital assets entering the institutional treasury conversation - marking another chapter in the evolving relationship between crypto and public markets.