Nxera Pharma Enters into Global License Agreement with AbbVie for NXE0033744, a Novel EP4 Receptor Agonist for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Nxera Pharma UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Nxera Pharma Co., Ltd ("Nxera") (TSE: 4565), has entered into an exclusive global license agreement (the "Agreement") with AbbVie Inc. ("AbbVie") for Nxera's EP4 agonist program including NXE0033744, a novel small molecule EP4 receptor agonist discovered by Nxera, pursuant to which AbbVie will receive exclusive rights to develop and commercialize NXE0033744 worldwide in inflammatory bowel disease ("IBD").

Orrick advised Nxera.

THE COMPANIES

Nxera is a technology-powered biopharma company in pursuit of new specialty medicines to improve the lives of patients with unmet needs in Japan and globally.

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow.

THE IMPACT

Under the terms of the Agreement, Nxera will receive an upfront payment of US$100 million. Nxera is also eligible to receive up to an additional US$1.37 billion in development and commercial milestone payments, plus tiered royalties on net sales. This transaction is subject to customary antitrust clearances including the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.

NXE0033744 is an investigational oral EP4 receptor agonist for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease discovered using Nxera's proprietary NxWave™ drug discovery platform. NXE0033744 aims to address the significant unmet need of people with IBD that do not achieve satisfactory disease control. It is designed to selectively activate EP4 receptors locally in the gastrointestinal tract to induce anti-inflammatory effects and to promote epithelial barrier homeostasis and mucosal healing, potentially offering a differentiated mechanism of action from existing treatments. A Phase 1 study has been successfully completed, generating data supporting a gut-selective profile and target engagement.

THE TEAM

The Orrick team was led by David Schulman and Edward Dyson, with invaluable support from Megan McKnelly, Craig Falls, Danielle Mangogna, Victoria Newbold and Neetu Ahlawat.

LEARN MORE

• Nxera News Release
• Read More Orrick Client Results