Servier Supercharges Neuro Pipeline with $450M Deal for Fragile X Syndrome Candidate

Servier has signed a deal worth up to $450 million with Kaerus Bioscience to acquire KER-0193, a clinical-stage candidate for Fragile X syndrome, a rare genetic disorder and the most common genetic cause of autism spectrum disorder1345.

KER-0193 is Servier’s first neurology asset acquisition, marking a major step in the company's 2030 strategy to build a leading rare-disease neurology franchise135.

Kaerus Bioscience will receive an undisclosed upfront payment and is eligible for development and commercial milestone payments as part of the deal135.

KER-0193 has completed Phase 1 studies in healthy volunteers, demonstrating safety and excellent pharmacokinetics, and is slated to start Phase 2 trials in the U.S. and Europe in 2026124.

In May 2025, KER-0193 received orphan drug and rare pediatric drug designations from the FDA for Fragile X syndrome24.

Fragile X syndrome currently has no approved treatment options; KER-0193 aims to address this high unmet need135.

The deal underscores Servier’s commitment to expanding in neurology, complementing recent deals in oncology and other rare disease areas25.

Sources:

1. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/servier-supercharges-neuro-pipeline-450m-deal-fragile-x-syndrome-candidate

2. https://www.biospace.com/business/servier-bets-450m-on-kaerus-fragile-x-syndrome-therapy

3. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/servier-acquires-potential-treatment-for-fragile-x-syndrome-the-most-common-genetic-cause-of-autism-spectrum-disorder-302548852.html

4. https://www.thepharmaletter.com/biotechnology/servier-acquires-ker-0193-a-ppotential-treatment-for-fragile-x-syndrome

5. https://www.genengnews.com/topics/translational-medicine/servier-buys-fragile-x-syndrome-candidate-for-up-to-450m/