Cinclus Pharma has partnered with Zentiva to commercialize and manufacture its lead drug, linaprazan glurate, in Europe.

The agreement covers all EU and EEA member states, the UK and Switzerland. It includes up to €220 million in payments, with €13 million upfront and a near-term milestone of €5 million due in 2026. Cinclus is also eligible for tiered royalties on net sales in Europe, starting in the high teens and exceeding 20% at the top end.

Linaprazan glurate is a next-generation potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB) in development for severe erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (eGERD). The company estimates the global addressable market for the drug at 19 million patients — including around 10 million across Europe and the US.

Phase 3 trials are set to begin in the third quarter of 2025.

“This alliance marks a major milestone for Cinclus Pharma,” said CEO Christer Ahlberg. “Zentiva’s reach and infrastructure will help accelerate our path to market across Europe. Their expertise in gastroenterology, regulatory affairs, manufacturing and commercialization adds tremendous value.”

Cinclus retains full commercial rights to linaprazan glurate in the US, where it sees significant growth potential.

Zentiva, best known for its strong generics business, has been expanding into specialty medicines. Chief scientific officer, Martin Albert, said the deal reflects that shift.

“Linaprazan glurate is a strong strategic fit,” he said. “It allows us to leverage our pan-European platform and bring an innovative treatment to patients who are not well served by existing therapies.”

Erosive GERD is a chronic condition caused by stomach acid repeatedly damaging the lining of the esophagus. Current treatments, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), are not effective for all patients, leaving an unmet need.

PCABs like linaprazan glurate work differently from PPIs and may offer faster and more consistent acid suppression. They are also being explored for once-daily dosing and fewer food-related limitations — advantages that could improve adherence and outcomes.

The deal is the latest in a string of region-specific licensing agreements seen across the biotech sector, as companies seek to de-risk development and expand reach without building full-scale commercial operations in every market.

With the European market now in Zentiva’s hands, Cinclus will be able to focus its internal resources on US development — where commercial rights remain in-house and the potential payoff could be even greater.