Exicure, Inc. acquired GPCR Therapeutics USA Inc. and entered into a licensing and collaboration agreement with GPCR Therapeutics Inc. to develop and commercialize GPCR’s intellectual property and patents related to G-Protein Coupled Receptors. The acquisition centers around GPCR USA’s ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial for a blood cancer treatment involving GPC-100 (Burixafor). Exicure will make milestone payments and pay royalties to GPCR based on clinical trial progress, marketing authorizations, and net sales.
This acquisition provides Exicure with a promising late-stage clinical asset in an area of significant unmet medical need – improving stem cell mobilization for patients with blood cancers undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The faster mobilization kinetics of burixafor, compared to existing treatments, offers potential advantages for patients and healthcare providers. Positive results from the ongoing Phase 2 trial could attract further investment and position Exicure for growth after its recent restructuring.
GPCR USA, led by Dr. Pina Cardarelli, is currently conducting a Phase 2 clinical trial combining GPC-100 with propranolol and G-CSF. Interim data from 10 patients suggests this combination effectively mobilizes stem cells for transplantation, with a favorable safety profile. The trial is expected to complete patient treatment by the end of April 2025, with results announced by September. The company is also exploring a potential Phase 3 trial comparing GPC-100 to Plerixafor. Additionally, research indicates this combination therapy may enhance CAR-T cell response rates, opening possibilities for Exicure in cell and gene therapy.
This acquisition represents a strategic shift for Exicure. By obtaining a clinical-stage asset with promising data, the company moves beyond its previous focus on early-stage nucleic acid therapies. The potential for GPC-100 to improve stem cell transplantation outcomes, combined with the possibility of expanding into CAR-T cell therapy, positions Exicure for potential growth and value creation in the coming years. The success of the ongoing and future clinical trials will be a key driver of Exicure’s future in this therapeutic area.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
