Press Releases April 22, 2026 07:54 PM

Exicure Announces Co-Development Agreement with Adbiotech for Burixafor (GPC-100)

Exicure partners with Korea-based Adbiotech to co-develop Burixafor combination therapies targeting multiple hematologic and oncologic diseases

By Avery Klein XCUR
Exicure Announces Co-Development Agreement with Adbiotech for Burixafor (GPC-100)
XCUR

Exicure, Inc. announced a co-development agreement with Adbiotech Co., Ltd. to evaluate combination therapies involving Burixafor (GPC-100) for indications including sickle cell disease, acute myeloid leukemia, and solid tumors. The collaboration leverages Adbiotech's in vivo studies and Exicure's clinical and regulatory expertise. This expands development opportunities for Burixafor, which has completed Phase 2 trials in multiple myeloma, and aims to advance selected programs into further clinical development pending future agreements and funding.

Key Points

  • Exicure enters strategic co-development agreement with Adbiotech to explore Burixafor combination therapies in hematologic and solid tumor indications.
  • Burixafor has a positive clinical profile with successful Phase 2 completion in multiple myeloma, supporting expansion into AML and sickle cell disease.
  • The collaboration delineates roles with Adbiotech conducting preclinical in vivo validation, and Exicure leading clinical and regulatory strategy, aiming to progress towards IND-enabling studies and trials.

CHICAGO, April 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Exicure, Inc. (Nasdaq: XCUR) today announced that it has entered into a co-development agreement with Adbiotech Co., Ltd. (KOSDAQ: 179530), a Korea-based biotechnology company, to explore combination therapies based on Burixafor (GPC-100) across multiple therapeutic areas.

The collaboration will focus on evaluating combination strategies involving Burixafor (GPC-100) in indications including sickle cell disease (SCD), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and solid tumors.

Under the agreement, Adbiotech will conduct in vivo studies and support preclinical validation and translational research, while Exicure will provide Burixafor and lead clinical and regulatory strategy.

Burixafor successfully completed a Phase 2 clinical trial in multiple myeloma last year, providing a foundation for further evaluation in hematologic indications such as AML and SCD. Based on its clinical profile to date, Burixafor may have potential applicability in additional hematologic indications.

The parties intend to conduct in vivo validation studies and, subject to further agreement, may advance selected programs into IND-enabling studies and clinical trials. The parties also intend to secure funding to support the advancement of future clinical development.

Further details regarding development plans, budget, intellectual property, and commercialization will be determined in a subsequent definitive agreement.

A representative of Exicure commented, “This agreement represents an important step in expanding the evaluation of Burixafor in combination approaches across multiple indications.”

About Exicure, Inc.

Exicure, Inc. (Nasdaq: XCUR) has historically been an early-stage biotechnology company focused on developing nucleic acid therapies targeting ribonucleic acid against validated targets. Following its restructuring and suspension of clinical and development activities, the Company is exploring strategic alternatives to maximize stockholder value. In January 2025, it acquired a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing therapeutics for hematologic diseases. The Company’s lead program in development is being evaluated for its ability to improve stem cell mobilization in multiple myeloma, sickle cell disease, and in support of cell and gene therapy. For more information, visit www.exicuretx.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact may be deemed forward looking including, but not limited to, statements regarding: the Company’s current business plans and objectives, including the pursuit of strategic alternatives to maximize stockholder value, the timing of the equity investment closing and potential additional equity investment and the Nasdaq Hearings Panel process and potential results. Words such as “plans,” “expects,” “will,” “anticipates,” “continue,” “advance,” “believes,” “target,” “may,” “intend,” “could,” and other words and terms of similar meaning and expression are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such terms. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. For a discussion of other risks and uncertainties, and other important factors, any of which could cause the Company’s actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with this press release, as updated by the Company’s subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release, and the Company undertakes no duty to update this information or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of such statements to reflect future events or developments, except as required by law.

Media Contact

Exicure, Inc.
[email protected]


Risks

  • The advancement of Burixafor programs depends on securing additional funding and future definitive agreements, which carry uncertainty.
  • Results from preclinical and future clinical studies may not meet expectations, affecting development plans and timelines.
  • Exicure is undergoing strategic restructuring with suspended prior development activities, introducing execution and regulatory risks associated with evolving clinical programs.

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