Nxera gains full rights to schizophrenia drug candidate

Nxera Pharma has acquired full rights to its GPR52 agonist program, including lead compound NXE’149, for schizophrenia, after Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH decided not to exercise its exclusive license option. The program, developed using Nxera’s NxWave™ platform, aims to address positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia.

NXE’149 has shown a favorable safety profile and good tolerability in Phase 1 trials, with no severe adverse events or discontinuations. Pharmacokinetic analysis indicated dose-dependent exposure, equivalent free drug concentrations in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid at steady state, and a long half-life supporting once-daily dosing. The company plans to seek partnerships with major pharmaceutical or specialized neuroscience companies in 2026 for a formal out-licensing process.

The acquisition of these rights will not impact Nxera Pharma’s consolidated financial results for the fiscal year ending December 2025. The company intends to provide updates on its progress in discussions with potential partners.