UCB to acquire Neurona Therapeutics, advancing its innovative leadership in epilepsy

UCB (Euronext Brussels: UCB), a global biopharmaceutical company, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement under which UCB would acquire Neurona Therapeutics, including lead asset NRTX-1001, adding to UCB's epilepsy portfolio. Neurona Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company focused on advancing regenerative cell therapies for epilepsies and other disorders of the nervous system.

Building on UCB's longstanding 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. It further demonstrates UCB's commitment to inorganic growth and to deliver solutions that go beyond symptomatic management.

"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, Chief Executive Officer at 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."

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. Additionally, the proposed acquisition highlights UCB's commitment to scientific innovation, representing foundational synergy between the two organizations that will undoubtedly unlock the broad potential of Neurona Therapeutics' regenerative pipeline. We are grateful to UCB for their investment and support these past years, and we are delighted for the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with the broader UCB family to bring transformative cell therapies to patients around the world".

Under the terms of the agreement, UCB will pay US $650m upfront and up to US $500m 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.