GSK completes Aiolos Bio acquisition to expand respiratory drug portfolio
GSK plc finalized its acquisition of Aiolos Bio, gaining a new asthma drug candidate. The deal aims to broaden GSK's respiratory treatment portfolio, particularly for patients with low T2 inflammation.
London, UK – GSK plc announced on February 15, 2024, the completion of its acquisition of Aiolos Bio, a biopharmaceutical company focused on addressing unmet needs in respiratory and inflammatory conditions.
The acquisition includes AIO-001, a long-acting anti-thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) monoclonal antibody. The drug candidate is ready to enter Phase II clinical development for adult asthma patients. This move is expected to expand GSK's respiratory biologics portfolio, potentially reaching severe asthma patients with low T2 inflammation, a specific type of overactive immune response. The potential for a six-month dosing interval could redefine the standard of care.
Tony Wood, GSK's Chief Scientific Officer, stated the company anticipates utilizing its expertise in respiratory treatments to offer a long-acting biologic to a wider patient population. GSK already possesses a significant portfolio of marketed and investigational medicines for respiratory diseases.
Under the agreement's terms, GSK will pay an upfront amount of $1 billion, with up to an additional $400 million contingent on success-based regulatory milestones. GSK will also assume responsibility for success-based milestone and tiered royalty payments owed to Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., which had previously licensed AIO-001 to Aiolos Bio for development and commercialization outside Greater China.
AIO-001 is a novel monoclonal antibody designed for infrequent dosing, potentially every six months, owing to its potency and long half-life. It targets the human thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) ligand, inhibiting TSLP signaling. TSLP is known to play a central role in driving inflammation associated with asthma.