Exicure, Inc. (XCUR): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money

Ever wondered about the journey, ownership, and financial strategies of Exicure, Inc. (XCUR), especially after its recent acquisition by GPCR Therapeutics Inc.? This blog post dives deep into Exicure's history as an early-stage biotechnology company, its mission to develop nucleic acid therapies, and how it navigates the complexities of the biotech industry to generate revenue, including the $500K in revenue for the year 2024.

What strategic shifts has Exicure undergone, and how do these changes impact its business model? Read on to explore Exicure's transformation, from its early focus on nucleic acid therapies to its current exploration of strategic alternatives and its acquisition of GPCR Therapeutics USA Inc., and understand how these moves aim to maximize stockholder value.

With a market cap of $71.4 million as of April 10, 2025, and a stock price of $11.30, Exicure's story is one of resilience and strategic adaptation; but how does it all work?

Exicure, Inc. (XCUR) History

Exicure's Founding Timeline

Year established

The company was founded in 2011.

Original location

The company was originally located in Evanston, Illinois.

Founding team members

The founding team included:

• Chad A. Mirkin
• James J. Martino

Initial capital/funding

In 2011, the company completed a Series A financing round, securing $7.5 million.

Exicure's Evolution Milestones

Exicure's Transformative Moments

• Initial Public Offering (IPO): The company's IPO in 2016 marked a significant milestone, providing substantial capital to advance its clinical programs and technology platform. This event increased the company's visibility and credibility within the biotechnology industry.
• Collaboration with AbbVie: The collaboration with AbbVie in 2019 was a transformative moment, validating the potential of company's SNA technology in addressing significant unmet medical needs. The $25 million upfront payment and potential milestone payments provided substantial financial resources and expertise to accelerate drug development efforts.
• Strategic Review and Delisting: The strategic review of the business in 2023 and subsequent delisting from NASDAQ in 2024 signaled a period of significant change and uncertainty for the company. These events reflected challenges in the company's clinical development programs and financial performance, leading to a reassessment of its strategic direction.

To gain further insights into the company's goals, see Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Exicure, Inc. (XCUR).

Exicure, Inc. (XCUR) Ownership Structure

Understanding Exicure's ownership structure is key to grasping its governance and strategic direction. The company's shares are distributed among various institutional investors, individual shareholders, and company insiders.

Exicure's Current Status

Exicure, Inc. is currently a publicly traded company, meaning its shares are available for purchase on a stock exchange.

Exicure's Ownership Breakdown

The following table provides an overview of Exicure's ownership breakdown, illustrating the distribution of shares among different types of shareholders.

Exicure's Leadership

Exicure's direction is guided by a team of experienced leaders. Here are some key members of their leadership:

• Dr. Douglas Feltner serves as the Chief Medical Officer, bringing extensive experience in clinical development.
• Brian C. Bock holds the position of Chief Financial Officer.
• Dr. David Giljohann is a Co-Founder, maintaining a vital role in the company's scientific direction.

You might be also interested in: Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Exicure, Inc. (XCUR).

Exicure, Inc. (XCUR) Mission and Values

Exicure, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that is committed to developing innovative therapies for patients with neurological disorders and cancer through the application of its proprietary Spherical Nucleic Acid (SNA) technology. The company's mission is centered around pioneering new treatments that can significantly improve patient outcomes.

Exicure's Core Purpose

Official mission statement

While Exicure, Inc. no longer exists, as it ceased operations and its assets were liquidated in 2023, its last known mission was to harness its SNA technology to create transformative treatments in areas with significant unmet medical needs. The focus was primarily on neurological diseases and cancer.

• Developing novel therapies using Spherical Nucleic Acid (SNA) constructs.
• Targeting neurological disorders and cancer.
• Improving patient outcomes through innovative treatments.

Vision statement

Exicure's vision was to become a leader in the field of nucleic acid therapeutics, recognized for its innovative SNA technology and its ability to deliver effective treatments for challenging diseases. The company aimed to create a future where its therapies could make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families.

• Becoming a leader in nucleic acid therapeutics.
• Being recognized for innovative SNA technology.
• Delivering effective treatments for challenging diseases.
• Making a meaningful difference in patients' lives.

Company slogan/tagline

As a publicly traded company, Exicure did not have a widely publicized official slogan or tagline. However, their communications often emphasized innovation and the potential of their SNA technology to revolutionize treatment for neurological disorders and cancer. The company's focus was on communicating the science and potential impact of their work rather than a catchy slogan.

For more insights into Exicure, Inc., check out: Exploring Exicure, Inc. (XCUR) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Exicure, Inc. (XCUR) How It Works

Exicure, Inc., now known as Nara Medicines, operates as a biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutics for neurology and other diseases, leveraging its Spherical Nucleic Acid (SNA) technology to create targeted treatments.

Nara Medicines's Product/Service Portfolio

Nara Medicines's Operational Framework

Nara Medicines (formerly Exicure) focuses on leveraging its Spherical Nucleic Acid (SNA) technology to create novel therapies. Their operational framework includes:

• Drug Development: Identifying and developing therapeutic candidates using the SNA platform.
• Clinical Trials: Conducting preclinical studies and clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of their drug candidates.
• Partnerships: Collaborating with other pharmaceutical companies and research institutions to expand their pipeline and accelerate development.
• Manufacturing: Overseeing the manufacturing process to ensure the quality and scalability of their SNA-based drugs.

To delve deeper into the financial aspects, you can explore: Breaking Down Exicure, Inc. (XCUR) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

Nara Medicines's Strategic Advantages

Nara Medicines (formerly Exicure) aims to maintain a competitive edge through several key strategic advantages:

• Proprietary SNA Technology: The SNA platform allows for unique targeting and delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics, which can provide a distinct advantage in treating diseases.
• Focus on Neurology: Concentrating on neurological disorders allows the company to specialize and potentially address unmet needs in this therapeutic area.
• Strategic Collaborations: Partnerships can provide additional resources, expertise, and funding to advance their programs.
• Intellectual Property: Patents and other intellectual property protections help to secure their technology and market position.

Exicure, Inc. (XCUR) How It Makes Money

Exicure, Inc., now known as NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc., focused on the development of novel therapies targeting RNA. The company generated revenue through strategic collaborations, licensing agreements, and research services related to its proprietary technology platforms.

NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc. Revenue Breakdown

As NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc. shifted its focus and underwent changes, a detailed revenue breakdown reflecting these transitions is essential for understanding its current financial structure.

Note: Information on NeuBase Therapeutics' revenue streams and financial performance is limited. As of April 2025, detailed information is not available. Therefore, the following table is based on the available information and general expectations for a biotechnology company.

NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc. Business Economics

NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc. operates under business economics influenced by the biotechnology industry, characterized by significant research and development (R&D) expenditure and long development timelines. Key aspects include:

• R&D Investments: A substantial portion of the company's expenditure is allocated to R&D, essential for advancing its Direct Glycosylase Inhibition (DGI) platform and developing new therapies.
• Intellectual Property: Protecting its technology through patents is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge and securing future revenue streams.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with other pharmaceutical companies and research institutions can provide financial support and accelerate the development process.
• Regulatory Milestones: Achieving milestones in clinical trials and regulatory approvals are critical value inflection points that can significantly impact the company's valuation and revenue potential.

NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc. Financial Performance

The financial performance of NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc. is shaped by several key factors:

• Cash Reserves: Monitoring cash reserves is vital to ensure the company can fund ongoing operations and R&D activities.
• Operating Expenses: Managing operating expenses, including R&D, clinical trials, and administrative costs, is crucial for maintaining financial stability.
• Revenue Recognition: Revenue is primarily recognized through collaboration agreements, licensing deals, and research grants, with milestone payments playing a significant role.
• Net Losses: As a development-stage biotechnology company, NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc. typically experiences net losses due to high R&D costs and the absence of marketed products.

To delve deeper into the company's mission and vision, explore: Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Exicure, Inc. (XCUR).

Exicure, Inc. (XCUR) Market Position & Future Outlook

Exicure, Inc. faces a challenging market position, particularly given its financial struggles and restructuring efforts. Its future outlook hinges on successful strategic realignments and the ability to capitalize on emerging opportunities within the biotechnology sector. For insights into the company's financial standing, see: Breaking Down Exicure, Inc. (XCUR) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

Competitive Landscape

Opportunities & Challenges

Industry Position

Exicure's industry position is that of a small biotechnology company with a unique technology platform (SNA) facing significant challenges. Key points regarding its standing:

• Technology Niche: The company’s proprietary SNA technology offers a unique approach to gene regulation, potentially differentiating it from more established RNA-based therapeutic modalities.
• Financial Constraints: Exicure has faced financial difficulties, including significant operating losses and the need for restructuring.
• Partnership Dependence: Given its financial situation, Exicure relies heavily on partnerships to advance its technology and programs.
• Market Competition: The biotechnology industry is highly competitive, with numerous companies developing RNA-targeted therapies.