AbbVie has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Nimble Therapeutics, a biotech company specializing in the discovery and development of innovative oral peptide therapies. This acquisition includes Nimble’s lead investigational oral peptide IL23R inhibitor, currently in preclinical development for psoriasis treatment, as well as a pipeline of promising oral peptide candidates targeting a variety of autoimmune diseases. Additionally, AbbVie will gain access to Nimble’s proprietary peptide synthesis, screening, and optimization platform, which accelerates the discovery and refinement of peptide-based therapies for various targets.
A Strategic Growth Opportunity
Jonathon Sedgwick, Ph.D., AbbVie’s senior vice president and global head of discovery research, highlighted the significance of this acquisition. “The addition of Nimble’s pipeline to AbbVie’s existing portfolio, combined with our expertise in immunology, represents an important growth opportunity. Together, we aim to address the unmet medical needs of people living with autoimmune diseases,” Sedgwick stated.
Jigar Patel, Ph.D., founder and CEO of Nimble Therapeutics, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the potential of the collaboration. “With AbbVie’s world-class expertise in developing and commercializing medicines globally, Nimble’s novel oral therapies will be better positioned to reach more people with autoimmune diseases,” he said. Patel also commended Nimble’s team for their progress and expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to advance groundbreaking therapies.
The IL23R Inhibitor: A Promising Candidate
Nimble’s lead asset, an oral IL23R inhibitor, represents a significant advancement in the treatment of autoimmune conditions like psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The interleukin-23 receptor (IL23R) is a clinically validated therapeutic target in autoimmune diseases, playing a critical role in driving inflammation and immune response dysregulation.
The investigational therapy aims to provide a more convenient oral alternative to existing injectable treatments for psoriasis and IBD, potentially transforming patient care in these areas. If successful, it could fill a critical gap in treatment options, particularly for patients seeking less invasive therapeutic solutions.
Nimble’s Proprietary Platform
Central to Nimble’s success is its proprietary peptide synthesis, screening, and optimization platform. This advanced technology accelerates the discovery and fine-tuning of peptide candidates, enabling rapid development of therapies with high specificity and efficacy. AbbVie’s acquisition of this platform is expected to enhance its internal research capabilities, broadening its ability to address complex therapeutic targets across multiple diseases.
Financial and Transaction Details
Under the terms of the agreement, AbbVie will make an upfront cash payment of $200 million, subject to customary closing adjustments. Nimble’s shareholders may also receive additional milestone payments contingent on achieving specified development goals.
The transaction is expected to close following the satisfaction of customary conditions, including regulatory review under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. AbbVie will also provide interim funding to support Nimble’s operations during the transition period.
Supporting Innovation in Biotech
Nimble Therapeutics was backed by founding investors Telegraph Hill Partners and Roche Ventures. These partnerships helped drive the company’s advancements in oral peptide medicine and its development of a robust immunology pipeline. The acquisition underscores the value of Nimble’s innovative approach to peptide drug discovery and its potential to revolutionize treatments for autoimmune diseases.
