ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Acquires CerSci Therapeutics, Adds Novel Pain Program to Portfolio

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced the acquisition of CerSci Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company with worldwide rights to a portfolio of novel compounds for neurological conditions, including non-opioid therapies for acute and chronic pain. The lead development program is a unique Reactive Species Decomposition Accelerant (RSDAx), a first-in-class mechanism focused on interrupting pathways that sensitize neurons to pain. The portfolio contains additional preclinical stage molecules, including brain penetrant molecules, with potential for symptomatic and disease modifying treatment utility in neurodegenerative diseases.

This acquisition strengthens ACADIA’s clinical pipeline to include non-opioid pain therapies that have potential non-addictive properties and reduced side effects typically seen with current opioid treatments. The lead molecule, ACP-044, has shown promising efficacy and safety results in animal models evaluating incisional, inflammatory, and neuropathic pain, as well as favorable tolerability and pharmacokinetic properties in Phase 1 trials. The novel RSDAx mechanism of action is thought to interfere with multiple pain pathways treating pain simultaneously. ACADIA plans to initiate a Phase 2 clinical study in the first half of 2021.

“There is an urgent need for new approaches to treat pain without causing addiction,” said Steve Davis, ACADIA’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are excited by the potential clinical utility of this program across multiple pain modalities due to its novel non-opioid mechanism of action. By acquiring CerSci, ACADIA is further strengthening our development pipeline for long-term growth in central nervous system disorders.”

“For too long, the options for patients with acute and chronic pain have been very limited,” said Lucas Rodriguez, CEO and co-founder of CerSci. “I am highly confident that ACADIA, with its proven development and commercialization capabilities, can advance CerSci’s program and ultimately deliver a new generation of medicines to treat acute post-operative as well as chronic pain conditions.”

Under the terms of the agreement, ACADIA acquired all of the outstanding shares of CerSci for $52.5 million, primarily in ACADIA stock. The transaction closed on August 24, 2020. CerSci shareholders may also receive up to $887 million in development, commercialization, and sales milestones in addition to tiered royalties in the mid-single digits based on annual net sales.

BofA Securities is serving as financial advisor and Paul Hastings, LLP is serving as legal advisor to ACADIA. Evercore is serving as financial advisor and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is serving as legal advisor to CerSci. CerSci’s major investors include JDH Investment Management, LLC, Hiawatha Education Foundation, Lennox Capital Partners, LP and West Summit Investments, LP.