UCB acquires Neurona Therapeutics for USD1.15B to secure epilepsy cell therapy

USA—Belgian drugmaker UCB has announced plans to acquire Neurona Therapeutics in a deal worth more than USD1 billion, comprising an upfront payment of USD 650 million and an additional USD500 million linked to future milestones.

Through this acquisition, UCB aims to secure a promising experimental therapy designed to treat certain seizure disorders and potentially Alzheimer’s disease.

The therapy, known as NRTX-1001, uses pluripotent stem cells engineered to regulate brain activity and repair damaged neural networks.

Currently, researchers are evaluating it in clinical trials for patients with drug-resistant forms of epilepsy, particularly those linked to the mesial temporal lobe.

Expanding beyond traditional epilepsy treatments

This move marks a shift for UCB as it expands beyond its existing small-molecule epilepsy drug portfolio.

Its current lineup includes Vimpat, Keppra, Briviact, and Fintepla, with the latter recently approved in the United States for a severe form of childhood epilepsy.

In 2025, Briviact and Fintepla together generated nearly €1.2 billion (USD1.3 billion) in net sales.

UCB stated that the acquisition represents a strategic step into regenerative medicine and advanced therapies.

The company also emphasized its commitment to growth through acquisitions and to developing treatments that go beyond symptom management.

Chief Executive Officer Jean-Christophe Tellier noted that NRTX-1001 could offer long-lasting benefits through a single administration.

He highlighted its potential to enable targeted repair of the nervous system, which could significantly improve outcomes for patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.

Growing interest in cell therapies

Although cell therapies remain complex and costly to produce, they have shown strong potential in treating cancer and are increasingly being explored for neurological and immune-related conditions.

This growing promise has attracted investor attention across the biotech sector.

For example, Neurona raised USD120 million in 2024 to advance its research, with support from firms including Viking Global Investors and Cormorant Asset Management.

Similarly, Aspen Neuroscience recently secured USD115 million in a Series C funding round for its Parkinson’s-focused therapy.

Another company, Oryon Cell Therapies, also entered the field with USD42 million in funding.

Challenges and market opportunity

Despite these advances, significant unmet needs remain in epilepsy treatment.

Analysts from Stifel reported that about one-third of patients with focal onset seizures continue to experience uncontrolled symptoms despite the availability of numerous FDA-approved medications.

At the same time, neurologists often prefer prescribing well-established, easy-to-use drugs such as Vimpat and Keppra.

Newer therapies, including azetukalner from Xenon Pharmaceuticals, are gaining attention due to similar convenience and effectiveness.

While NRTX-1001 may face adoption challenges, it offers potential advantages, including a one-time treatment approach delivered through a minimally invasive brain procedure.

UCB expects the acquisition to have no immediate impact on its 2026 revenue outlook, which it projects to grow in the high single-digit to low double-digit range, with profitability also expected to increase steadily.