Aiming to expand its presence in the renal diseases segment, Akebia Therapeutics has agreed to acquire the global licensing rights to Cyclerion Therapeutics’ praliciguat, an oral soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator. With the deal, which is worth up to US$585 M, Akebia will gain a new pipeline asset for diabetic nephropathy while Cyclerion will receive notable funding for the development of its central nervous system portfolio.Akebia will solely retain global rights to praliciguat.