Nxera Pharma's UK subsidiary has entered an exclusive global license agreement with AbbVie for its EP4 agonist program, including NXE0033744, a novel oral small molecule EP4 receptor agonist for inflammatory bowel disease. AbbVie receives exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize the candidate in IBD.
Nxera will receive an upfront payment of $100 million and is eligible for up to an additional $1.37 billion in development and commercial milestone payments, plus tiered royalties on net sales. The transaction is subject to customary antitrust clearances, including under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.
Nxera said the upfront payment will represent a material positive revenue impact and is expected to be recognized as revenue in the fourth quarter of the financial year ending December 31, 2026, subject to agreement with the company's auditors.
NXE0033744 was discovered using Nxera's NxWave drug discovery platform. It is designed to selectively activate EP4 receptors locally in the gastrointestinal tract to induce anti-inflammatory effects and promote epithelial barrier homeostasis and mucosal healing. A Phase 1 study has been completed, generating data supporting a gut-selective profile and target engagement.
CEO Christopher Cargill said the agreement reflects the potential of the NxWave platform to generate differentiated medicines for significant unmet needs. He said AbbVie's expertise in immunological diseases and global clinical development make it the ideal partner to advance the program and determine whether the biology can translate into measurable outcomes for people with IBD.
The deal builds on an ongoing neuroscience discovery collaboration between Nxera and AbbVie.
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