US pharmaceutical company AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) has reached an agreement to acquire Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche’s (SWX: ROG) peptide discovery spinout, Nimble Therapeutics, in a deal initially valued at USD 200 million in cash. This strategic acquisition is aimed at strengthening AbbVie’s immunology product pipeline.
Acquisition Highlights and Nimble’s Lead Asset
With the acquisition of Nimble Therapeutics, AbbVie gains control of its lead asset, an investigational oral peptide IL23R inhibitor currently in preclinical development for the treatment of psoriasis. This inhibitor is part of a pipeline of novel oral peptide candidates that show potential in treating several autoimmune diseases.
Access to Nimble’s Proprietary Peptide Technology
In addition to the peptide candidates, AbbVie will also acquire Nimble’s peptide synthesis, screening, and optimization platform. This platform utilizes proprietary technology to accelerate the discovery and optimization of peptide candidates for a variety of targets, which is expected to enhance AbbVie’s R&D capabilities.
Milestone-Based Payment Structure
The agreement is subject to customary closing conditions and compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Under the terms, Nimble Therapeutics’ shareholders are eligible to receive additional payments upon the achievement of certain milestones, incentivizing the successful development and commercialization of the acquired assets.-Fineline Info & Tech
