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

Rhea-AI Summary

Exicure (Nasdaq: XCUR) announced a co-development agreement with Adbiotech (KOSDAQ: 179530) on April 22, 2026, to explore combination therapies using Burixafor (GPC-100) across sickle cell disease, AML, and solid tumors.

Under the deal, Adbiotech will run in vivo and preclinical validation while Exicure supplies Burixafor and leads clinical and regulatory strategy. Burixafor completed a Phase 2 trial in multiple myeloma last year. Parties may advance selected programs to IND-enabling studies and clinical trials, subject to further agreements and funding; budget, IP, and commercialization terms remain to be finalized.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Positive

• Signed co-development agreement with Adbiotech dated April 22, 2026
• Burixafor completed a Phase 2 trial in multiple myeloma
• Adbiotech to perform in vivo studies and preclinical validation
• Exicure to lead clinical and regulatory strategy for Burixafor

Negative

• Development advancement subject to further definitive agreements and funding
• Key terms—budget, IP, and commercialization—are not yet finalized
• Advancement to IND-enabling studies is conditional, not guaranteed

News Market Reaction – XCUR

+0.05%

4 alerts

+0.05% News Effect

+13.5% Peak Tracked

-13.7% Trough Tracked

+$12K Valuation Impact

$23.19M Market Cap

0.7x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, XCUR gained 0.05%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +13.5% during that session. Argus tracked a trough of -13.7% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 4 alerts that day, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $12K to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $23.19M at that time.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Reality Check

Price: $3.38 Vol: Volume 10,696 vs 20-day a...

normal vol

$3.38 Last Close

Volume Volume 10,696 vs 20-day average 11,742 (relative volume 0.91x) shows no outsized trading ahead of this news. normal

Technical Shares at $3.64 trade below the $5.05 200-day MA and sit 71.25% below the 52-week high, about 17.33% above the 52-week low.

Peers on Argus

Momentum scanner flags two peers (e.g., ASBP, FBLG) moving down, while several s...

2 Down

Momentum scanner flags two peers (e.g., ASBP, FBLG) moving down, while several sector peers in the broader list show mixed to positive moves. With the scanner’s is_sector_move set to false and no same-direction peers, current trading looks more stock-specific than a broad biotech rotation.

Common Catalyst Among peers with same-day news, NRXS reported expanded payer coverage, a reimbursement-driven catalyst distinct from XCUR’s co-development agreement.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Mar 25 (Negative)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Mar 25	Full-year earnings	Negative	+0.0%	Full-year 2025 report highlighting cash decline and potential 12‑month liquidity shortfall.
Feb 05	Clinical publication	Positive	+4.4%	Annals of Hematology Phase 2 data showing rapid stem cell mobilization and good tolerability.
Jan 21	Clinical presentation	Positive	+2.3%	Announcement of Phase 2 burixafor data presentation at 2026 Tandem Meetings with positive topline results.
Dec 08	Phase 2 topline	Positive	+36.8%	Positive topline Phase 2 data for burixafor combo in multiple myeloma with high collection success rates.
Nov 07	Quarterly earnings	Negative	-2.3%	Q3 2025 results underscoring insufficient cash and need for substantial near-term financing.

Pattern Detected

Positive burixafor data and clinical milestones have generally coincided with positive price reactions, while earnings highlighting liquidity strain have seen flat to mildly negative moves.

Recent Company History

Over the last six months, Exicure has combined financial strain with advancing burixafor. Earnings and the 10-K emphasized cash of $3.7M, substantial additional financing needs, and going-concern risk. In contrast, multiple Phase 2 milestones and publications for burixafor in multiple myeloma, including positive topline data with high CD34+ collection rates, produced favorable reactions (up to +36.77%). Today’s co-development news with Adbiotech fits the pattern of expanding burixafor’s hematologic footprint despite constrained resources.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement outlines a co-development agreement with Adbiotech to explore burixafor (GPC‑100) ...

Analysis

This announcement outlines a co-development agreement with Adbiotech to explore burixafor (GPC‑100) combinations in SCD, AML, and solid tumors, building on completed Phase 2 work in multiple myeloma. Adbiotech will handle in vivo and preclinical studies while Exicure leads clinical and regulatory strategy, with future IND-enabling studies contingent on results and further agreement. Against a backdrop of limited cash and going-concern risk from recent filings, execution, funding progress, and clinical readouts remain key watchpoints.

Key Terms

in vivo, preclinical, translational research, phase 2, +4 more

8 terms

in vivo medical

"Adbiotech will conduct in vivo studies and support preclinical validation"

In vivo describes tests or experiments performed inside a living organism, such as an animal or human, to observe how a drug, device or biological process behaves in a real, functioning body. Investors care because in vivo results reveal safety, effectiveness and possible side effects that lab tests cannot, much like road-testing a prototype car in traffic rather than only on a bench — outcomes can strongly influence regulatory approval, clinical success and a company’s valuation.

preclinical medical

"conduct in vivo studies and support preclinical validation and translational research"

Preclinical describes the stage of drug or medical-product development when researchers test a candidate in the lab and in animals to see if it is safe, reaches intended targets, and shows basic effectiveness before any human trials begin. For investors, preclinical status signals an early, higher‑risk opportunity where positive lab results can increase value but significant work, time, and regulatory hurdles remain — like proofing a prototype in a workshop before road testing.

translational research medical

"support preclinical validation and translational research, while Exicure will provide"

Translational research turns laboratory discoveries into tests, treatments, or medical products for people, acting as the bridge between basic science and practical use. Like converting a prototype into a store-ready product, it shows whether promising biology can become a safe, regulated, and sellable therapy, diagnostic, or device. For investors, clear translational progress reduces technical and regulatory uncertainty, creates milestone-driven value, and signals when commercial returns might be possible.

phase 2 medical

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

Phase 2 is the mid-stage clinical trial where a new drug or treatment is tested in a larger group of patients to see if it works and to keep checking safety after initial human testing. Think of it as a field test that proves whether a product actually delivers its promised benefit. Investors watch Phase 2 closely because its results strongly influence a medicine’s chances of reaching the market, the size of its potential sales, and the company’s valuation.

sickle cell disease (scd) medical

"including sickle cell disease (SCD), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and solid tumors"

An inherited blood disorder in which red blood cells become stiff and crescent-shaped, causing chronic anemia, painful episodes, and damage to organs over time. It matters to investors because the disease represents a clear, long-term need for treatments and care: successful therapies, regulatory approvals, or changes in insurance coverage can significantly affect drugmakers, hospitals, and insurers—similar to fixing a recurring problem in a building that reduces ongoing repair costs and liability.

acute myeloid leukemia (aml) medical

"including sickle cell disease (SCD), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and solid tumors"

A fast‑growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow in which abnormal cells crowd out healthy blood cells, leading to infections, bleeding and fatigue; think of it as aggressive weeds rapidly taking over a garden. It matters to investors because the size, severity and unmet need of this condition drive demand for new drugs, influence clinical trial and regulatory outcomes, and determine revenue and risk for companies developing therapies.

solid tumors medical

"including sickle cell disease (SCD), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and solid tumors"

Solid tumors are abnormal masses of tissue that form when cells in organs or glands grow uncontrollably, like a dense knot in a garden plant rather than something spread through the water. For investors, they matter because treatments, diagnostics and surgeries targeting solid tumors drive large clinical programs, regulatory reviews and potential revenue streams; success or failure in treating these tumors can significantly affect a company’s drug pipeline, valuation and market opportunity.

ind-enabling studies regulatory

"may advance selected programs into IND-enabling studies and clinical trials"

Ind-enabling studies are early research efforts that test whether a new drug or treatment is safe and effective enough to move forward in development. They are like preliminary tests to ensure a product works as intended before investing more resources into large-scale trials. For investors, these studies are important because successful results can signal potential progress toward bringing a new product to market, impacting its future value.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

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.
pr@exicuretx.com

FAQ

What did Exicure (XCUR) announce on April 22, 2026 about Burixafor?

Exicure announced a co-development agreement with Adbiotech to explore Burixafor combinations across multiple indications. According to the company, the deal covers in vivo studies, preclinical validation, and Exicure leading clinical/regulatory strategy.

Which indications will Exicure and Adbiotech study for Burixafor (GPC-100)?

They will evaluate combination strategies in sickle cell disease, acute myeloid leukemia, and solid tumors. According to the company, studies will include in vivo validation and translational research for these indications.

What role will Adbiotech play under the XCUR co-development agreement?

Adbiotech will conduct in vivo studies and support preclinical validation and translational research. According to the company, Adbiotech handles the preclinical work while Exicure supplies Burixafor and leads clinical strategy.

Does the Exicure–Adbiotech agreement commit to clinical trials for Burixafor?

Not yet; advancement to IND-enabling studies and clinical trials is conditional. According to the company, selected programs may advance subject to further agreement and secured funding.

What is the significance of Burixafor's Phase 2 completion for Exicure (XCUR)?

Burixafor’s Phase 2 completion provides a clinical foundation for exploring additional hematologic indications. According to the company, that prior trial supports evaluation in AML and sickle cell disease.