GSK, ABL Bio forge £2B partnership for neurodegenerative treatments

South Korean startup ABL Bio has entered a worldwide licensing agreement with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to develop innovative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases using ABL Bio's blood-brain barrier (BBB) shuttle platform, Grabody-B. This collaboration aims to create multiple programs targeting various therapeutic approaches, including antibodies and oligonucleotides, addressing significant unmet medical needs in this field. ABL Bio will receive an immediate upfront payment of £38.5 million as part of a potential total of £2.075 billion in further payments linked to research, development, and commercialization milestones. The agreement also includes tiered royalties on net sales if the products are successfully commercialized. GSK will take responsibility for the development and commercialization of the treatments, while ABL Bio will transfer the relevant technology and expertise. This partnership highlights the growing focus on overcoming the challenges posed by the BBB in drug development for neurological conditions.