UCB Proposes $650M Acquisition of Neurona Therapeutics

UCB, a global biopharmaceutical company, has entered into a definitive agreement under which it would acquire Neurona Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company focused on advancing regenerative cell therapies for epilepsies and other disorders of the nervous system, including it lead asset NRTX-1001.

Building on UCB’s heritage in epilepsy and its ambition to deliver differentiated solutions to patients with unmet needs, this acquisition marks a strategic expansion into regenerative medicine and advanced therapies.

“The proposed acquisition of Neurona Therapeutics demonstrates our innovation strategy in action and reinforces UCB’s commitment to delivering meaningful innovation to people living with epilepsy, particularly forms of epilepsy with high unmet need,” said Jean-Christophe Tellier, CEO, UCB. “For more than 30 years, UCB has helped shape the modern epilepsy landscape. Bringing NRTX‑1001 into our portfolio allows us to extend that legacy into the era of regenerative medicine. We believe this therapy has the potential to provide durable targeted repair of the nervous system following a single dose and could represent a major step forward for people living with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.”

The Neurona Therapeutics platform uses regenerative pluripotent stem cell technology to deliver cells aimed at structurally and functionally restoring compromised neural circuitry. NRTX‑1001, Neurona Therapeutics’ lead regenerative neural cell therapy candidate, is currently being investigated in phase I/II clinical trials which are evaluating the safety, tolerability, and effects on seizure frequency in drug-resistant unilateral and bilateral mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) with and without Mesial Temporal Sclerosis (MTS). Administered as a minimally invasive single dose directly into the brain, this approach introduces cells that produce the inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), to repair and rebalance the overactive neural networks and potentially provide durable seizure reduction.

Based on encouraging preliminary data, NRTX-1001 has received Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation from the FDA for drug‑resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) and PRIME (Priority Medicines) designation from the EMA for adults with drug‑resistant focal epilepsy, reflecting regulatory recognition of its potential to address significant unmet medical need and eligibility for enhanced development support.

Cory R. Nicholas, PhD, Co‑founder and CEO of Neurona Therapeutics, said: “We are thrilled that UCB, a global leader in epilepsy science, recognizes the promise of our platform and programs. Their deep expertise, global reach, and long‑standing commitment to the epilepsy community make them an ideal partner to accelerate the development of NRTX‑1001 for temporal lobe epilepsy.”

Under the terms of the agreement, UCB will pay $650 million upfront and up to $500 million in potential future milestone payments. The transaction remains subject to certain closing conditions, including required anti-trust clearance and other customary conditions, and is expected to close by end of Q2 2026.

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