What Nimbus Therapeutics does

Nimbus Therapeutics is a Boston-based, privately held clinical-stage biotechnology company founded in 2009 that uses an AI-enhanced computational chemistry platform combining structure-based drug design, physics-based simulation, X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, molecular docking, big data mining, and predictive machine learning tools to design exquisitely selective small molecule medicines. The company was co-founded by Atlas Venture and Schrödinger, Inc. as Nimbus Discovery LLC and rebranded to Nimbus Therapeutics around 2016, with operating headquarters at 22 Boston Wharf Road in Boston's Seaport District. Its active pipeline centers on three core programs: the WRN inhibitor NDI-219216 (Phase 1/2 in MSI-H solid tumors), the HPK1 inhibitor NDI-101150 (Phase 1/2 in advanced solid tumors), and a preclinical SIK2 inhibitor program (greater than 300-fold selectivity over SIK1 and SIK3) advancing toward first-in-human studies in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Earlier programs have been partnered or divested to Big Pharma, including the TYK2 inhibitor zasocitinib (acquired by Takeda, now Phase 3 in plaque psoriasis) and the ACC inhibitor NDI-010976 (acquired by Gilead, Phase 2 in MASH).

The company generates revenue exclusively through program out-licensing, asset divestitures, and multi-year research collaborations with global pharmaceutical partners. Deal economics include the $4B Takeda upfront for the TYK2 program (2022/2023, plus up to $2B in commercial milestones), the $400M Gilead upfront for the ACC program (2016, plus up to $800M in milestones and a $200M milestone already paid), the $55M Eli Lilly upfront for the 2026 obesity collaboration (plus up to $1.3B in milestones and tiered royalties), the 2022 Eli Lilly AMPK deal worth up to $496M, and licensing deals with Genentech/Roche, Celgene/BMS, and Shire. Cumulative transactions exceed $8B and over $4B has been returned to investors. Nimbus has raised more than $630M in equity financing since 2009 across multiple rounds from a syndicate including Atlas Venture, SR One, Lilly Ventures, Gates Ventures, Bain Capital Life Sciences, SV Health Investors, BVF Partners, RA Capital, Pfizer Ventures, and GV, and operates with a core team of under 100 employees.

Name

Nimbus Therapeutics

Legal name

Nimbus Therapeutics, LLC

Website

https://nimbustx.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Nimbus Therapeutics is a Boston-based clinical-stage biotechnology company that uses an AI-enhanced computational chemistry platform to design highly selective small molecule medicines in oncology, immunology, and metabolic disease, generating revenue by out-licensing and divesting programs to global Big Pharma partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Small Molecule Therapeutics

NAICS

Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing (32541)

SIC

Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834)

akta.pro primary industry

Protein Interaction & Structural Biology Platforms (cryo-EM, X-ray, NMR, biophysics) (HLAAAIAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

In Silico / Computational Toxicology & PK/PD Modeling (HLAGAFAM), AI/ML Platforms for Drug Discovery & Experiment Optimization (HLAGAJAO)

Keywords

• Computational drug discovery
• Small molecule therapeutics
• Structure-based drug design
• AI drug discovery
• Clinical stage biotechnology

Headquarters

HQ city

Boston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Program out-licensing and asset acquisitions: Receives large upfront payments and development/commercial milestones when licensing or selling program subsidiaries to pharma. Examples: $400M upfront + up to $800M milestones from Gilead for ACC program (2016); $4B upfront + up to $2B in commercial milestones from Takeda for TYK2 program (2022/2023). Includes tiered royalties on global net sales.
2. Multi-year research collaboration and license agreements: Receives upfront, near-term and development/commercial milestone payments plus tiered royalties under research collaboration deals. 2022 Lilly AMPK deal up to $496M; 2026 Lilly obesity deal $55M upfront plus up to $1.3B in development/commercial milestones plus tiered royalties on global net sales.
3. Equity private financing: Private company funded by equity financings. Has raised over $630M in equity financing since 2009 across multiple rounds (2011 $24M Series A; 2015 $43M Series B; 2018 $65M; 2020 $60M; 2021 $105M; 2022 $125M; 2023 $210M).
4. Co-development milestone payments: Earns research, preclinical, development and commercial-stage milestone payments under co-development agreements (e.g., Shire rare disease program, Monsanto agricultural fungicides collaboration).

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Nimbus Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that uses an AI-enhanced computational chemistry platform to design exquisitely selective small molecule therapeutics. The company develops a pipeline of drug candidates in oncology, immunology, and metabolic disease, then out-licenses or sells these programs to large pharmaceutical companies (Takeda, Gilead, Eli Lilly, Genentech) for late-stage development and commercialization. The platform integrates structure-based drug design, X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, molecular docking, physics-based simulation, big data mining, and predictive machine learning tools.

Product overview

Nimbus Therapeutics operates a structure-based drug discovery platform (the Nimbus AI-Enhanced Computational Chemistry Platform) that integrates X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, molecular docking, physics-based simulation, big data mining, and predictive machine learning tools to deliver exquisitely selective small molecule medicines. Rather than offering a single product, Nimbus pursues a portfolio-plus-modules architecture where the platform generates a pipeline of internally developed and partnered drug candidates across oncology, immunology, and metabolic disease. Its active pipeline centers on three core programs: the WRN inhibitor NDI-219216 (Phase 1/2 for MSI-H tumors), the SIK2 inhibitor program (preclinical, advancing toward first-in-human studies in inflammatory/autoimmune diseases), and the HPK1 inhibitor NDI-101150 (Phase 1/2 for advanced solid tumors). Earlier programs have been partnered or divested: the TYK2 inhibitor NDI-034858/zasocitinib was acquired by Takeda for $4B upfront (now in Phase 3 for plaque psoriasis), the ACC inhibitor NDI-010976 was acquired by Gilead for up to $1.2B (now in Phase 2 for MASH), and the AMPK activator program and an undisclosed metabolic target are partnered with Eli Lilly under multi-year collaborations. Earlier-generation assets include the IRAK4 inhibitor program (ND-346/ND-2110/ND-2158), the Cbl-b inhibitor NTX-801, the WRN inhibitor NTX-452, the SIK2 inhibitor NTX-147, and liver-directed ACC inhibitors ND-630/ND-646/ND-654. The platform has cumulatively produced clinical candidates that have driven more than $8 billion in transactions across deals with Takeda, Gilead, Eli Lilly, Genentech, and Celgene.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• NDI-219216 (WRN Inhibitor) Highly potent and selective non-covalent investigational inhibitor of WRN helicase for advanced solid tumors with microsatellite instability (MSI-H). Targets MSI-H tumors via synthetic lethality; currently in Phase 1/2 trial.
• SIK2 Inhibitor Program Highly selective salt-inducible kinase 2 (SIK2) inhibitor with greater than 300-fold selectivity over SIK1 and SIK3, designed to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines while promoting tissue repair for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
• HPK1 Inhibitor (NDI-101150) Highly selective oral hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1) inhibitor being evaluated as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab in Phase 1/2 trial for advanced solid tumors including clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
• AMPK Activator Program Isoform-selective small molecule activators of AMPK heterotrimers for metabolic disorders such as diabetes, diabetic nephropathy, and MASH. Partnered with Eli Lilly under 2022 collaboration.
• Zasocitinib (NDI-034858) - TYK2 Inhibitor Highly selective allosteric TYK2 inhibitor acquired by Takeda in 2022 for $4B upfront plus up to $2B in milestones. Succeeded in Phase 3 plaque psoriasis trials with regulatory filings planned for FY2026.
• NDI-010976 - ACC Inhibitor Potent, liver-targeted allosteric inhibitor of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) for MASH and liver diseases. Acquired by Gilead in 2016 for $400M upfront plus up to $800M in milestones; currently in Phase 2 at Gilead.
• Nimbus AI-Enhanced Computational Chemistry Platform Structure-based drug discovery platform integrating X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, molecular docking, physics-based simulation, big data mining, and predictive machine learning tools for designing exquisitely selective small molecule medicines.
• Obesity/Metabolic Disease Program (Lilly 2026 Collaboration) Multi-year research collaboration and exclusive worldwide license agreement with Eli Lilly to develop an oral treatment for obesity and other metabolic diseases using Nimbus's AI-enhanced computational chemistry platform.

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

AI capability4 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor, flagship and core.

• AnagenexminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 December 2023Multi-target collaboration announced December 2023 to discover small molecule therapeutics for multiple indications.
• Takeda PharmaceuticalflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 December 2022Acquisition of Nimbus's allosteric TYK2 inhibitor program (zasocitinib, formerly NDI-034858) announced December 13, 2022; transaction closed February 2023. Takeda paid $4B upfront plus up to $2B in commercial milestones — Takeda's largest single-asset purchase ever. Zasocitinib achieved best-in-class Phase 3 plaque psoriasis results in 2025 with regulatory filings planned for FY2026; Takeda aims to make AI a core part of its drug discovery process based on the asset.
• Eli LillyflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 October 2022Multi-year research collaboration and exclusive worldwide license agreement (October 2022) for small molecule activators of a specific AMPK isoform for metabolic diseases including diabetes, diabetic nephropathy and MASH. Up to $496M in deal value. Nimbus conducts research; Lilly handles development and commercialization. A 2025 research milestone was achieved and a second collaboration was signed in January 2026 for oral obesity treatments ($55M upfront + up to $1.3B milestones + tiered royalties).
• Celgene (now Bristol Myers Squibb)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 October 2017Long-term strategic immunology alliance announced October 2017 to develop programs for autoimmune disorders; expanded in July 2019 to immunotherapy in oncology. BMS previously held HPK1 program rights which were returned to Nimbus in December 2020.
• Charles River LaboratoriescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 5 April 2017Strategic drug development partnership announced April 2017 to advance Nimbus's therapeutic programs. Provides access to Charles River's discovery and development services infrastructure.
• Gilead SciencesflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 April 2016Acquisition of Nimbus Apollo, Inc. (the allosteric ACC inhibitor program including NDI-010976 for NASH/MASH and liver diseases) announced April 2016, closed May 2016. Deal included $400M upfront plus up to $800M in development-related milestones; $200M milestone was paid in November 2016. Gilead is currently conducting Phase 2 studies for MASH.
• Genentech (Roche)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 October 2015Global license agreement announced October 2015 for Nimbus program assets. Listed among the major pharma transactions led by Nimbus's business development team.
• Monsanto CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 June 2013Collaboration (June 2013) via a jointly-owned entity to develop broad-spectrum agricultural fungicides with new modes of action. Monsanto receives access to agricultural applications; Nimbus retains rights for all other applications. Reached multiple research milestones in 2014-2015.
• ShirecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 May 2013Co-development agreement (May 2013) focused on small molecule treatments for lysosomal storage disorders (rare genetic diseases). Nimbus performs research up to drug candidate stage; Shire has exclusive option to acquire the program and is then responsible for clinical development and commercialization. Nimbus eligible for preclinical, development and commercial milestones. Originated via Shire's strategic alliance with Atlas Venture.
• Proteros Biostructures GmbHcoreTechnology or Integration · 8 November 2012Privileged Partnership Agreement (November 2012) giving Nimbus preferential access to Proteros' new Gallery Structures, x-ray crystallography technologies and in-house expertise to accelerate structure-based drug discovery. Expanded from an earlier collaboration.
• Schrödinger, Inc.flagshipTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2010Co-founding technology partnership established in 2010 — Nimbus was founded in 2009 as a virtual R&D spinout leveraging Schrödinger's chemical simulation platform. Schrödinger has material equity stake in Nimbus and receives success-driven milestone payments. Collaboration extended in August 2021 to discover novel therapeutics for select targets. Includes privileged access to WaterMap and next-generation computational chemistry tools.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Schrödinger, Inc. Computational chemistry and molecular simulation platform company that co-founded Nimbus in 2009 and remains a strategic partner with material equity. Both companies apply physics-based simulation and ML to small molecule drug discovery, and compete for similar Big Pharma discovery partnerships.
• Recursion Pharmaceuticals: AI-driven drug discovery company combining high-throughput biology with ML, frequently cited alongside Nimbus as a top AI drug discovery player. Both target difficult-to-drug small molecule and phenotypic programs and pursue Big Pharma partnerships.
• Insilico Medicine: AI-native biotech using generative AI and deep learning for target identification and small molecule design. Direct competitor in the AI drug discovery category, with comparable pipeline breadth and partnership-driven model.
• Relay Therapeutics: Computational precision medicine company using motion-based protein dynamics to design small molecule therapies, especially in oncology. Closely comparable structure-based drug discovery approach targeting similar difficult-to-drug proteins.
• Iambic Therapeutics: AI-driven drug discovery company using physics-informed neural networks for small molecule design. Direct competitor with overlapping oncology and immunology pipeline and similar Big Pharma partnership strategy.
• Exscientia: Pioneer in AI-driven small molecule drug design with multiple Big Pharma partnerships (Bayer, Sanofi, GSK). Closely comparable AI drug discovery platform and partnership-driven commercialization model.

Emerging players

• Isomorphic Labs: Alphabet-backed computational drug discovery company spun out of DeepMind. Applies AlphaFold-derived protein structure prediction to drug design, positioning it as a well-capitalized emerging competitor in AI-driven small molecule discovery.
• XtalPi: AI and quantum physics-driven drug discovery company with strong Big Pharma partnerships (Pfizer, Eli Lilly). Comparable AI+physics approach to small molecule design and similar partner-licensing business model.
• Generate Biomedicines: Generative biology company applying ML to protein and small molecule design. Comparable AI-first discovery philosophy and partnership-driven commercialization model, though focused more on biologics than small molecules.
• Genesis Therapeutics: AI-native biotech combining deep learning with molecular dynamics for small molecule drug discovery. Emerging player targeting similar difficult-to-drug oncology and rare disease targets with a partnership-friendly approach.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nimbus-therapeutics
• Xx.com/NimbusTx

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles21 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds9 records

Investors16 records

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Nimbus Therapeutics