Servier has entered into a definitive agreement with UK-based Kaerus Bioscience to acquire the oral drug KER-0193, which has the potential to treat Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common genetic cause of autism spectrum disorder.
Per the deal, Servier — an international pharmaceutical group governed by a foundation — will provide Kaerus with an upfront payment and will potentially make development and commercial earn-out payments, in a deal that could b worth as much as $450 million. The deal marks Servier's first asset acquisition in neurology.
A phase 1 clinical trial in March 2025 showed that KER-0193, a small molecule modulator of BK channels, was safe and well tolerated in healthy volunteers. Additionally, KER-0193 has been granted both Orphan Drug Designation and Rare Pediatric Drug Designations for the treatment of FXS by the FDA.