Gilead acquires NASH drug development program

Gilead Sciences and Nimbus Therapeutics LLC announced the acquisition of Nimbus Apollo Inc., a subsidiary of Nimbus Therapeutics concentrated on acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitors for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

The lead acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) inhibitor under study within Nimbus Apollo is NDI-010976, which was granted Fast Track designation by FDA in February 2016. The company plans to present phase 1 data at the upcoming International Liver Congress. According to the release, there are additional preclinical inhibitors included with potential treatment for NASH and hepatocellular carcinoma.

“The acquisition of Nimbus’ ACC-inhibitor program represents a timely and important opportunity to accelerate Gilead's ongoing efforts to address unmet needs in NASH,” Norbert Bischofberger, PhD, executive vice president, research and development, and chief scientific officer, Gilead Sciences, said in the release. “These molecules will complement and further strengthen Gilead’s pipeline and capabilities to advance a broad clinical program in NASH that includes compounds targeting multiple key pathways involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.”

Gilead will make an immediate payment of $400 million and Nimbus Therapeutics retains the potential to receive an additional $800 million over time, based on development-related milestones.

“Given the company’s long-standing commitment to and expertise in liver disease, we are confident that Gilead is the ideal partner to accelerate and maximize the potential of the ACC inhibitor program,” Don Nicholson, PhD, chief executive officer of Nimbus Therapeutics said in the release.

Disclosure: Bischofberger is an employee of Gilead Sciences. Nicholson is an employee of Nimbus Therapeutics.