AbbVie expands autoimmune pipeline with acquisition of Nimble Therapeutics

USA – AbbVie has acquired Nimble Therapeutics in a deal that brings promising assets and cutting-edge technology into its immunology portfolio.

As part of the agreement, AbbVie will take over Nimble’s pipeline, including an investigational oral peptide IL23R inhibitor currently in preclinical development for psoriasis, along with a suite of other oral peptide candidates targeting autoimmune diseases.

The deal also grants AbbVie access to Nimble’s proprietary peptide synthesis, screening, and optimization platform, which accelerates the discovery of new peptide-based therapies.

“The addition of Nimble’s pipeline to AbbVie’s existing pipeline, combined with our deep clinical and translational expertise in immunology, represents an important growth opportunity,” said Jonathon Sedgwick, Ph.D., senior vice president and global head of discovery research at AbbVie.

Nimble’s CEO, Jigar Patel, Ph.D., emphasized the transformative potential of this partnership: “With AbbVie’s world-class expertise in developing and commercializing medicines on a global scale, Nimble’s novel oral therapies will be well-positioned to reach more people living with autoimmune diseases.”

Nimble’s lead candidate, an IL23R inhibitor, is being developed as a potential treatment for psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

IL23R, a clinically validated target, plays a significant role in driving inflammation and immune responses associated with these conditions.

The acquisition, valued at US $200 million upfront with additional milestone-based payments, also includes interim funding from AbbVie and is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

The company recently entered a US $1.06 billion collaboration with Simcere Pharmaceutical for SIM0500, an investigational treatment for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

SIM0500, in early clinical trials in the U.S. and China, adds momentum to AbbVie’s efforts in advancing therapies for blood cancers.

Additionally, AbbVie reported positive Phase 3 results for tavapadon, an experimental treatment for early-stage Parkinson’s disease.

The trial demonstrated significant improvements in motor function and daily living activities. AbbVie plans to submit a New Drug Application for tavapadon in 2025, with the potential to address unmet needs for millions of Parkinson’s patients.