Servier Acquires Potential First-in-Class Therapy for Fragile X Syndrome in $450 Million Deal

September 8, 2025施维雅（Servier）Announced that it has signed a definitive agreement with UK-based biopharmaceutical company Kaerus Bioscience,Acquisition of KER-0193, a clinical candidate developed as a potential treatment for Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). This is also Servier inFirst Asset Acquisition in the Field of Neurology。

KER-0193 is an orally administered small-molecule BK channel modulator discovered and developed by Kaerus Bioscience (co-founded by Medicxi in 2016).The drug completed Phase I clinical trials in March 2025, showing good safety and tolerability, with excellent pharmacokinetic performance. In addition, the drug has been granted orphan drug designation and rare pediatric disease designation by the U.S. FDA.

According to the terms of the agreement, Kaerus Bioscience will receive an upfront payment and is eligible for milestone payments based on the progress of drug development and commercialization, with the total value of the deal potentially reaching up to $450 million。

From a scientific perspective, KER-0193, as a BK channel modulator, directly targets ion channel abnormalities associated with the genetic mechanisms of FXS. In animal models, the drug has demonstrated efficacy in improving behavioral, sensory, and cognitive deficits. Servier plans to initiate a Phase II clinical trial for FXS patients in the United States and Europe by 2026.

Fragile X Syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental genetic syndrome that broadly impacts patients' cognition and behavior. It is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability and the primary form of single-gene autism spectrum disorder.No approved treatment is currently available., which accounts for approximately 1% of ASD and intellectual disability cases globally.

       Title: $450 Million! Servier Acquires Potential First-in-Class Therapy for Fragile X Syndrome