Foresee Pharmaceuticals has entered an exclusive global licensing agreement with Primevera Therapeutics, a German biotech firm, for its Matrix Metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) inhibitor series. The transaction, valued at up to USD 584.5 million, includes clinical-stage assets FP-025 (aderamastat) and FP-020 (linvemastat), alongside a third-generation preclinical candidate, positioning Primevera to advance novel anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory therapies for rare immune-fibrotic diseases and respiratory conditions.
Up to USD 574.5 million (development, regulatory, commercial)
Royalties
Tiered single-digit percentages
Equity Component
Foresee acquires 19% equity stake in Primevera
Clinical Pipeline & Asset Profile
Asset
Stage
Primary Indication
Strategic Pivot
FP-025 (aderamastat)
Phase 2 completed
Allergic asthma (historical)
Rare immune-fibrotic diseases: cardiac sarcoidosis lead indication
FP-020 (linvemastat)
Phase 1 completed
Healthy subjects
Asthma Phase II: US FDA IND submission early 2026
Third-gen MMP-12 inhibitor
Drug discovery
Undisclosed
Next-generation optimization for selectivity and CNS penetration
Target Biology & Therapeutic Rationale
MMP-12 (Macrophage Metalloelastase):
Key driver of tissue remodeling, fibrosis progression, and inflammatory matrix degradation
Overexpressed in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cardiac sarcoidosis, severe asthma, and COPD
Genetic validation: MMP-12 knockout mice demonstrate resistance to fibrosis and emphysema
FP-025 Differentiation:
Completed Phase 2 in allergic asthma establishes clinical safety database
Pivot to cardiac sarcoidosis addresses orphan indication with no approved therapies and high unmet need
Anti-fibrotic mechanism distinct from TGF-β inhibitors (pirfenidone, nintedanib)
Strategic Positioning & Partnership Logic
Factor
Strategic Value
Primevera Focus
German biotech specializing in fibrosis and immunology; MMP-12 aligns with pipeline thesis
Foresee Equity Stake (19%)
Upside participation in Primevera valuation growth; transforms licensing into strategic investment
Global Rights Transfer
Primevera assumes development risk and funding for US/EU regulatory pathways
Rare Disease Strategy
Cardiac sarcoidosis and orphan fibrotic indications enable premium pricing and fast-track designations
Respiratory Retention
FP-020 asthma development maintains MMP-12 validation in larger market alongside rare disease focus
Development Roadmap
Asset
Milestone
Timeline
FP-025
Cardiac sarcoidosis Phase 2 initiation
2026
FP-020
FDA IND submission; Phase 2 asthma start
Early 2026
Third-gen inhibitor
Lead optimization and candidate selection
2026-2027
Primevera Financing
Series A/B to fund clinical execution
2026 (Foresee participation via 19% stake)
Forward‑Looking Statements This brief contains forward‑looking statements regarding MMP-12 inhibitor clinical development, Primevera Therapeutics’ financing and execution capabilities, and Foresee Pharmaceuticals’ equity value appreciation. Actual results may differ due to rare disease trial enrollment challenges, competitive dynamics in fibrosis (Boehringer Ingelheim, Roche), and Primevera’s ability to advance multiple Phase 2 programs simultaneously.-Fineline Info & Tech
By Fineline Cube