"ABL Bio has entered into a global licensing agreement with GSK.
The deal grants GSK access to ABL Bio’s Grabody-B platform, a technology designed to improve the delivery of treatments across the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
The agreement covers the development of multiple therapeutic programmes targeting neurodegenerative diseases, including modalities such as antibodies, polynucleotides, and oligonucleotides like siRNA and ASOs. These programmes aim to address pressing medical needs in conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
The BBB plays a crucial role in protecting the brain from harmful substances but often blocks therapeutic agents from reaching their targets. ABL Bio’s Grabody-B platform was developed to help drugs bypass this barrier by targeting the Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Receptor (IGF1R), allowing effective transport into the brain.
As part of the agreement, ABL Bio will receive up to £77.1 million in upfront and near-term payments, including £38.5 million immediately. The total deal value could reach £2.075 billion through research, development, regulatory, and commercial milestones. ABL Bio will also receive tiered royalties based on future sales.
GSK will lead all further preclinical and clinical development, manufacturing, and commercial activities. The collaboration also includes the transfer of relevant technology and expertise from ABL Bio to GSK.
It also positions ABL Bio to expand the use of its Grabody-B platform across new therapeutic areas.
The partnership is expected to support the development of advanced treatments for neurological disorders, an area of growing need due to global ageing trends.