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

Key Takeaway: Exicure, Inc. has entered a co-development agreement with Adbiotech to explore combination therapies using Burixafor (GPC-100) in several therapeutic areas, including sickle cell disease and acute myeloid leukemia. The collaboration will see Adbiotech conduct preclinical research while Exicure will lead clinical strategies. Notably, Burixafor has shown promise after completing a Phase 2 trial in multiple myeloma, laying a foundation for further studies. The agreement aims to advance clinical programs and secure funding for future development.
Price reaction · baseline $3.76 (2026-04-21 close) · hit after-hours · clean, no other XCUR news in the window
day 0 close · peak
-3.2%

Market Sentiment Analysis

POSITIVE FACTORS

  • Co-development agreement could enhance Burixafor's therapeutic potential.
  • Focus on multiple indications, including sickle cell disease and AML.
  • Successful Phase 2 trial in multiple myeloma supports further evaluations.

BiopharmaWatch Analysis

From our catalyst data and publicly available data · not financial advice
Best trade, last catalyst
+35%
120-day peak, hindsight
Typical move
19.3%
average across 2 past catalysts
Cash runway
~5 mo
High dilution risk
Lead asset
GPC-100
Phase 2 · Multiple Myeloma

Full Press Release Details

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.”
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the focus of Exicure and Adbiotech's collaboration?

The partnership aims to evaluate combination therapies utilizing Burixafor across various conditions.

What therapeutic areas will Burixafor be studied in?

Burixafor will be investigated for sickle cell disease, acute myeloid leukemia, and solid tumors.

What role will Adbiotech play in the collaboration?

Adbiotech will perform in vivo studies and support preclinical validation research.

What has Burixafor achieved in recent trials?

Burixafor successfully completed a Phase 2 trial in multiple myeloma last year.

How does Exicure plan to use Burixafor's data?

Exicure will leverage the clinical profile of Burixafor for further studies in hematologic indications.

Last updated: Apr 22, 2026