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Tag: NASDAQ:XCUR

  • Exicure (XCUR) Stock Sees Gains After-Hour On Key Study Completion

    Exicure (XCUR) Stock Sees Gains After-Hour On Key Study Completion

    During Friday’s extended trading session, Exicure, Inc. (NASDAQ: XCUR) saw a significant increase, closing at $7.80 after rising 13.28%. Following the company’s confirmation of the accomplishment of a crucial clinical research milestone, this increase occurred.

    Phase 2 Clinical Trial Milestone Completed

    The biotechnology business reported that the final patient visit in its current Phase 2 clinical study (NCT05561751) was successfully completed. The safety and effectiveness of GPC-100 (burixafor) in conjunction with propranolol and G-CSF for patients with multiple myeloma undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) are assessed in this research. Exicure anticipates this trial’s topline findings in the fourth quarter of 2025.

    GPC-100’s Potential for Stem Cell Mobilization

    A very specific small molecule antagonist of the chemokine receptor CXCR4, which is essential for keeping hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow niche, is GPC-100 (burixafor). GPC-100 may help mobilize these stem cells into peripheral circulation for collection and further ASCT operations by inhibiting CXCR4. GPCR Therapeutics, Inc. was the original developer of the chemical, which Exicure acquired in January 2025 and added to their pipeline.

    Beyond multiple myeloma, GPC-100 is under consideration for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other medical conditions where improved stem cell mobilization could enhance treatment outcomes. This includes applications in sickle cell disease, rare disorders requiring autologous transplant, and in cell and gene therapy programs.

    Differentiated Clinical Performance and Patient Benefits

    The ongoing randomized, open-label, multicenter study is designed to determine whether GPC-100 can improve CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell mobilization from the bone marrow into peripheral blood for ASCT procedures. Data presented at ASH 2024 indicated that GPC-100 offers a faster mobilization rate compared to currently approved agents.

    Typically, mobilization requires patients to receive injections the night before stem cell collection, creating logistical burdens. In contrast, GPC-100 can be administered just 45 minutes before the procedure, resulting in efficient mobilization and enhancing patient experience.

    Exicure is also advancing plans for a Phase 1 AML study and engaging in discussions for potential collaborations to expand GPC-100’s use in cell and gene therapy applications.

  • Pre-Market Momentum: Exicure (XCUR) Shares Rise After Key Approval

    Pre-Market Momentum: Exicure (XCUR) Shares Rise After Key Approval

    Shares of Exicure, Inc. (NASDAQ: XCUR) rose 4.59% to $13.66 during premarket trading. This rise follows the company’s announcement that it has been granted a new patent by the Australian Patent Office, strengthening its position in the study of cancer treatments.

    Patent Strengthens Cancer Treatment Strategy

    Exicure has been granted a patent for “GPCR Heteromer Inhibitors and Uses Thereof,” protecting its innovative approach to cancer treatment that targets GPCRx and CXCR4. The company’s Phase 2 clinical study, which evaluates the combined effectiveness of GPC-100 and propranolol for patients with multiple myeloma, is supported by this patent.

    By strengthening its top clinical program and opening the door for additional potent treatment options, the recently granted patent expands Exicure’s intellectual property protection.

    By concurrently targeting CXCR4 and ADRB2, the study aims to increase hematopoietic stem cell mobility and boost the efficacy of CXCR4 inhibitors such as GPC-100. Taiwan, Japan, and the United States have previously awarded similar patents, while other applications are still pending in important international markets.

    Purchasing GPCR Therapeutics USA Strategically

    Through a Share Purchase Agreement, Exicure has strategically purchased GPCR Therapeutics USA Inc., a California-based subsidiary of GPCR Therapeutics Inc., a Korean company. Concurrent with the agreement’s execution, the purchase was completed, adding GPCR USA to XCUR’s portfolio.

    A Licensing Agreement Increases Efforts at Commercialization

    Exicure and GPCR Therapeutics Inc. signed a License and Collaboration Agreement (L&C Agreement) after the purchase. As per this arrangement, XCUR is in charge of advancing and bringing GPCR-related technology to market. According to the agreements, milestone payments must be linked to significant sales, clinical, and regulatory accomplishments.

    Furthermore, Exicure shall pay recurrent royalties on net sales from the licensed technology at a minimum rate of 10%. XCUR continues to solidify its place in the biotechnology industry by promoting cutting-edge cancer treatment options with this most recent patent and strategic alliance.

  • Exicure (XCUR) Stock Surges Following Acquisition Agreement

    Exicure (XCUR) Stock Surges Following Acquisition Agreement

    Exicure, Inc. (NASDAQ: XCUR) has experienced a significant surge in its stock value following the definitive share purchase agreement with South Korean corporation GPCR Therapeutics Inc. As of the latest market update, XCUR shares traded at $13.23, a substantial 27.53% increase, reflecting investor confidence in the acquisition’s potential to strengthen Exicure’s position in the biotechnology sector.

    Formalizing the Acquisition and Collaborative Partnership

    On January 19, 2025, Exicure finalized the acquisition of all equity securities of GPCR Therapeutics USA Inc., the California-based subsidiary of GPCR Therapeutics Inc. The transaction coincided with the Share Purchase Agreement. Previously, GPCR USA operated as a wholly owned subsidiary. Concurrently, Exicure and GPCR established a License and Collaboration Agreement (L&C Agreement) to develop and commercialize GPCR’s proprietary technologies, patents, and intellectual property.

    Financial Implications and Milestone Structure

    The L&C Agreement details a structured financial arrangement, including milestone payments from Exicure to GPCR upon achieving predefined objectives in clinical trials, marketing authorizations, and net sales. It also stipulates recurring royalty payments from Exicure to GPCR, based on a minimum of 10% of net sales, as detailed in the agreement. This structure ensures ongoing collaboration and shared financial interest in the successful development and commercialization of the acquired technologies.

    Strategic Expansion and Clinical Pipeline Enhancement

    This acquisition follows a previous Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the intended acquisition of GPCR USA, technology transfer, and collaborative research on GPCR Therapeutics’ drug development pipelines. Exicure gains access to key technical personnel and technology related to GPCR Therapeutics’ CXCR4 inhibitor, currently in FDA Phase 2 trials, along with associated patents and intellectual property.

    This positions Exicure to advance as a clinical-stage biotech company, leveraging acquired expertise and promising clinical pipelines. GPCR Therapeutics aims to finalize ongoing stem cell mobilizer (SCM) trials for multiple myeloma patients and prepare for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) studies. The target market for the Phase 2 trials is estimated between $1 billion and $2 billion annually.

    Market Performance within the Biotechnology Sector

    Market data shows XCUR with an ST score of 39 and an SMA200 exceeding 94% within the Biotechnology industry. While demonstrating strong performance, other peer stocks, like MNPR and CMRX, exhibit higher ST scores and SMA200 values above 100%. For a short selection of stocks that may be compared further, see our screener.

  • Exicure (XCUR) Stock Gains Momentum Pre-Hours With Strategic Developments

    Exicure (XCUR) Stock Gains Momentum Pre-Hours With Strategic Developments

    Shares of Exicure, Inc. (NASDAQ: XCUR) are witnessing remarkable growth, climbing 11.18% pre-market to $20.55 following a 69.24% surge in the previous trading session, which closed at $18.38. The spike in XCUR stock price is attributed to pivotal equity transactions and operational shifts that signal a transformative phase for the biotechnology company.

    Equity Transaction with HiTron Systems Inc.

    On November 12, 2024, Exicure finalized an agreement with HiTron Systems Inc. to sell 433,333 common shares at $3.00 per share, raising $1.3 million. This transaction, executed without requiring stockholder approval, granted HiTron approximately 16.6% ownership of outstanding XCUR common stock. Additionally, HiTron gained the right to appoint two board directors and designated its CEO as its chief restructuring officer, underscoring its strategic influence in the company.

    Proposed Majority Stake Acquisition

    Exicure continued negotiations with HiTron for a larger investment, culminating in a November 13, 2024, agreement to issue 2.9 million additional shares for $8.7 million. This proposal, contingent on stockholder approval at a special meeting, would result in HiTron owning a 61% majority stake in XCUR, effectively altering control of the company under Nasdaq regulations. Proceeds from this deal are earmarked for corporate purposes and business development.

    Transition from Research to Strategic Realignment

    Exicure’s evolution reflects a departure from its traditional focus on nucleic acid therapies. Since halting preclinical and R&D activities in September 2022, the company has prioritized maximizing shareholder value through strategic alternatives. The proposed agreement with HiTron represents a significant pivot in this effort, offering both capital infusion and leadership restructuring.

    Regulatory and Operational Framework

    The purchase agreement includes standard representations and closing conditions, such as stockholder approval, compliance with Nasdaq guidelines, and indemnification provisions. A concurrent registration rights agreement obliges XCUR to file a registration statement for HiTron’s shares within 60 days post-closing.

    Additional covenants ensure a 90-day lock-up period and continuation of director and officer insurance policies. If approved, this strategic partnership marks a critical milestone for Exicure, as it seeks to redefine its operational trajectory and unlock new opportunities under HiTron’s majority ownership.