UCB to Acquire Neurona Therapeutics to Expand Epilepsy Pipeline with Regenerative Cell Therapy

UCB has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Neurona Therapeutics in a deal valued at up to $1.15 billion, strengthening its position in epilepsy and advancing its move into regenerative medicine. The transaction includes an upfront payment of $650 million, with up to $500 million in milestone payments.

The acquisition brings Neurona’s lead asset, NRTX-1001, into UCB’s portfolio. This investigational neuronal cell therapy is currently being evaluated in Phase I/II trials for drug-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, a common and difficult-to-treat form of focal epilepsy.

NRTX-1001 uses pluripotent stem cell-derived interneurons designed to restore neural circuit balance by delivering GABA-producing cells directly into the brain. The single-dose approach aims to provide durable seizure reduction and potentially modify disease progression rather than simply manage symptoms.

The deal reflects UCB’s long-standing focus on epilepsy, building on more than 30 years of innovation in the field. It also marks a strategic expansion into advanced and regenerative therapies, aligning with the company’s ambition to address high unmet needs and deliver disease-modifying treatments.

Subject to regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026