Eli Lilly and Company has acquired 4E Therapeutics, an Austin-based neuroscience company focused on developing non-opioid treatments for chronic pain. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The acquisition strengthens Lilly’s efforts in chronic pain research and adds 4E Therapeutics’ pipeline of orally administered MNK inhibitors to its development portfolio.

4E Therapeutics has been developing therapies that target the MNK-eIF4E signalling pathway in peripheral sensory neurons, a mechanism linked to the development and persistence of chronic pain. The company’s approach aims to provide effective pain relief while avoiding the central nervous system effects commonly associated with many existing pain medications.

Its lead candidate, 4ET1103, is the first MNK inhibitor developed for pain treatment to reach human clinical testing. The investigational therapy demonstrated a favourable safety profile in a Phase 1 clinical study.

The acquisition brings years of research on the biological mechanisms underlying chronic pain into Lilly’s pipeline, where the programme can benefit from the company's clinical development, translational research and global commercial capabilities.

Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide and remains a significant healthcare challenge. The need for effective non-opioid therapies has grown as healthcare providers seek alternatives that reduce the risks associated with opioid-based treatments.

As part of the transaction, 4E Therapeutics was advised financially by Aquilo Partners, while legal counsel was provided by Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. The companies did not disclose further details regarding the agreement.

 

Source: prnewswire.com

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