Epilepsy-focused acquisition accelerates UCB’s entry into developing next generation disease-modifying therapies.
UCB is adding an investigational neuronal cell therapy to its epilepsy portfolio as part of its acquisition of Neurona Therapeutics, valued up to $1.15 billion.
The move also supports the firm’s expansion into regenerative medicine and advanced therapies. As part of the deal, UCB will pay Neurona $650 million upfront plus up to $500 million in potential future milestone payments.
Neurona’s neural cell therapy candidate NRTX-1001 is being evaluated in phase I/II clinical trials for drug-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.
The treatment uses regenerative pluripotent stem cell technology to deliver gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-producing cells intended to repair and rebalance compromised neural circuitry and potentially provide durable seizure reduction.
Jean-Christophe Tellier, Chief Executive Officer at UCB, said: “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.”
Cory Nicholas, PhD, Co‑founder and CEO of Neurona Therapeutics, said: “We are thrilled that UCB, a global leader in epilepsy science, recognises the promise of our platform and programmes. 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.”
The transaction is subject to certain closing conditions and is expected to be finalised by the end of the second quarter of 2026.
Last month, UCB announced plans to site its future US manufacturing hub in the state of Georgia. The new biologics manufacturing facility in Gwinnett County represents one of the largest investments in Georgia’s history. It aligns with a recent proclamation from President Trump imposing 100 percent tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals. UCB is just one of many companies that have onshored their manufacturing operations as a result of the US administration’s proposals.
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