Pharma major Roche has entered into an exclusive licence and collaboration agreement with Nurix Therapeutics for bexobrutideg (NX‑5948), an oral, brain‑penetrant BTK protein degrader. Unlike traditional BTK inhibitors that only block kinase activity, bexobrutideg eliminates BTK protein entirely – including both its kinase and scaffold functions – potentially overcoming resistance mediated by C481S or other mutations. The deal includes a USD 700 million upfront payment, with total potential consideration of up to USD 2.3 billion plus tiered royalties outside the US. Roche and Nurix will co‑fund development (60:40) and share profits/losses from US commercialisation; Roche will lead ex‑US commercialisation.

Phase I data in heavily pre‑treated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) showed an objective response rate (ORR) of 83% and a median progression‑free survival (PFS) of 22.1 months. Nurix expects to initiate a Phase III trial in second‑line CLL in mid‑2026. The candidate is also being explored for B‑cell malignancies and potentially autoimmune or neurodegenerative diseases given its central nervous system (CNS) penetration.

According to PharmCube's NextBiopharm® database, this marks Nurix's fourth-largest transaction. Click here to request a free trial for NextBiopharm®.