AbbVie to Acquire Landos Biopharma and Novel Ulcerative Colitis Investigational Drug

AbbVie recently confirmed plans to acquire the clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company Lando Biopharma, headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia. Lando focuses on developing novel oral therapies to treat autoimmune disorders, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The deal is expected to conclude during the second quarter of 2024.

As part of the package, AbbVie will bring in Landos’ lead investigational agent, NX-13, a potential first-in-class oral NOD-like receptor X1 (NLRX1) agonist currently in the phase 2 NEXUS proof-of-concept study evaluating its safety and efficacy in patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.

If approved, NX-13 will strengthen AbbVie’s already strong suit in inflammatory bowel disease, which includes the blockbusters Humira (adalimumab), Rinvoq (upadacitinib) and Skyrizi (risankizumab).

“With this acquisition, we aim to advance the clinical development of NX-13, a differentiated, first-in-class, oral asset with the potential to make a difference in the lives of people living with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease," Roopal Thakkar, M.D., senior vice president and chief medical officer of global therapeutics at AbbVie, said in a press release.

NX-13 activates NLRX1, which regulates inflammatory proteins associated with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Its once daily oral dosing is meant to provide a more convenient delivery method compared with current disease-modifying therapies like biologics.

The NEXUS trial is enrolling 80 participants with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis to evaluate two doses of the drug candidate. Preliminary results are anticipated toward the end of 2024.