GSK Expands COPD Pipeline with $745M Deal for Empirico's Oligonucleotide Therapy

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has inked a substantial deal with Empirico, signaling a renewed focus on oligonucleotide therapies and bolstering its chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) portfolio. The agreement, which could reach $745 million, centers on EMP-012, a siRNA oligonucleotide already in phase 1 clinical trials for COPD.

Deal Structure and Financial Details

GSK will pay an upfront sum of $85 million to Empirico for the rights to EMP-012. The deal includes potential milestone payments of up to $660 million, contingent on development, regulatory, and commercial achievements. Additionally, tiered royalties on sales will be paid if EMP-012 reaches the market.

EMP-012: A Novel Approach to COPD Treatment

EMP-012 targets a specific inflammatory pathway that GSK believes has "best-in-class" potential. The therapy is designed to be effective regardless of baseline type 2 inflammation, smoking status, or co-morbid diseases. This broad applicability could position EMP-012 as a versatile treatment option, particularly for patients with non-type 2 inflammation, a subgroup with limited current treatment options.

Dr. Kaivan Khavandi, GSK's global head of respiratory, immunology and inflammation R&D, emphasized the strategic importance of the deal: "With its expected long-acting characteristics and ability to target distinct inflammatory pathways, EMP-012 complements our pipeline of diverse modalities in COPD and builds on the current landscape of inhaled and biologic therapeutics in this area of substantial unmet need."

GSK's Expanding Oligonucleotide Portfolio

This latest acquisition adds to GSK's growing interest in oligonucleotide therapies. The company's pipeline already includes bepirovirsen, a collaboration with Ionis Pharmaceuticals currently in phase 3 trials for hepatitis B virus infection. GSK has also established partnerships with Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals for fatty liver disease treatments and acquired assets from Wave Life Sciences.

Omri Gottesman, CEO of Empirico, views the deal as a validation of the company's proprietary target discovery and siRNA platforms. He stated, "GSK's global reach and deep expertise in COPD will help to accelerate the development of EMP-012, and we look forward to working closely with GSK on advancing a potentially transformative precision medicine for patients with COPD and other inflammatory respiratory diseases."