AbbVie has signed a global licensing agreement with Nxera Pharma for its inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) program in a deal valued at up to $1.38 billion. AbbVie will pay $100 million upfront for exclusive rights to develop and commercialize NXE0033744, an oral small molecule that has completed Phase 1 studies. The agreement also includes up to $1.37 billion in potential development and commercial milestones, plus tiered royalties.
The agreement builds on AbbVie’s existing collaborations with Nxera in neuroscience and autoimmune diseases. NXE0033744 is an EP4 receptor agonist with a gut-selective mechanism designed to deliver anti-inflammatory effects and promote mucosal healing. The approach could distinguish it from current IBD treatments.
The deal adds to AbbVie’s immunology franchise, which includes Skyrizi and Rinvoq.
Separately, AbbVie will open a 12,000-square-foot research and development facility in Oxford. The site will focus on treatments for immunological, neurological and oncological diseases. The expansion is part of AbbVie’s commitment of more than £120 million to the UK life sciences ecosystem.