U.K. – GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has collaborated with Vesalius Therapeutics, a biotech firm backed by Flagship Pioneering.
This new alliance grants GSK worldwide development and commercial rights to Vesalius’ preclinical small molecule program, initially focusing on Parkinson’s disease treatment.
The partnership leverages Vesalius’ advanced platform, which combines artificial intelligence, genomics, and induced pluripotent stem cell models.
Together, the companies plan to identify novel intervention points for Parkinson’s disease, as well as another undisclosed neurodegenerative condition.
According to Kaivan Khavandi, GSK’s Global Head of Respiratory/Immunology R&D, “Using the Vesalius platform to understand underlying drivers of such neurodegenerative diseases and select optimal therapeutic interventions underscores our focus on leveraging advanced technology to identify and target the root causes of disease.“
Financial terms and milestones
The collaboration is valued at up to US $650 million, with GSK providing US $80 million in upfront and equity payments.
In addition, potential milestone payments could reach up to US $570 million. Vesalius will also be eligible for tiered royalties for the preclinical small molecule, as well as additional royalties and milestones for each program targeting one of GSK’s chosen intervention points.
However, the total potential payment for these additional programs remains undisclosed.
This deal represents a notable shift for GSK, known for its expertise in vaccines, HIV, and respiratory diseases.
It also marks GSK’s second major foray into the neurodegenerative diseases space, following its US $2.2 billion deal with Alector in 2021 to develop immuno-neurology candidates.
Addressing unmet needs in Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a key focus of this collaboration, as it remains an area with significant unmet medical need.
“Parkinson’s disease has tremendous unmet need, and the number of new intervention points has changed very little in 60 years for patients and their families,” said John Mendlein, interim CEO of Vesalius and executive partner at Flagship Pioneering.
Vesalius, founded by Flagship Pioneering in 2019, aims to revolutionize the understanding and treatment of diseases that are responsible for the majority of human illnesses.
Despite facing challenges, such as a workforce reduction in 2022, the company continues to focus on innovative approaches to treat a broad range of diseases, including autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and neurologic conditions.
Expanding partnerships with Flagship Pioneering
This latest collaboration is part of a broader trend, as GSK continues its relationship with Flagship Pioneering to identify new medicines and vaccines.
GSK had previously announced a partnership with Flagship to explore up to 10 new programs, with potential funding of up to US $150 million.
Flagship’s network also includes collaborations with other major pharmaceutical companies, such as Pfizer and Novo Nordisk, expanding its influence in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.
