Drugmaker Merus slips after share offering launch

** U.S.-listed shares of Merus NV MRUS down 6.3% to $58.50 post-market as co seeks equity raise

** Dutch biotech firm launches stock offering; targeted raise not disclosed

** Co plans to use net offering proceeds to advance clinical development of its product candidates, for preclinical research and technology development, and for working capital among other purposes

** Jefferies, BofA, Leerink, Guggenheim, Truist and LifeSci Capital are jt bookrunners

** On May 23, MRUS shares surged ~33% to close at $55.14 after co's lead candidate petosemtamab in combination with Merck's MRK Keytruda delayed progression of a type of head and neck cancer in a mid-stage trial

** MRUS shares on Tues finished up 6.6% at $62.42, up 50% over the past seven sessions

** Co has ~69.2 mln shares outstanding for $4.3 bln market cap