AbbVie licenses Nxera’s deprioritized IBD drug in deal worth up to $1.47 billion

AbbVie agreed to license Nxera Pharma’s experimental oral IBD drug NXE0033744, an EP4 receptor agonist, with exclusive worldwide development and commercialization rights for inflammatory bowel disease.

Nxera will receive $100 million upfront, with up to $1.37 billion in potential development and commercial milestone payments, plus tiered royalties. The headline value is about $1.47 billion before royalties; most of it is contingent on future progress and sales.

The candidate has completed Phase 1 testing. Nxera reported evidence of gut-restricted activity and target engagement, but it remains an early-stage investigational medicine—not an approved treatment.

Nxera had deprioritized the IBD program during a 2025 restructuring. The deal lets AbbVie take it forward while Nxera receives upfront funding and potential future payments.

The agreement is subject to customary antitrust clearances. AbbVie may see the asset as a possible addition to its IBD portfolio, which includes Skyrizi and Rinvoq, though NXE0033744 would still need substantial clinical development.