ABL Bio Partners with GSK to Advance Brain Drug Delivery Technology for Neurodegenerative Diseases
On April 7, 2025, ABL Bio Inc. (KOSDAQ: 298380), a clinical-stage biotechnology firm, announced a multi-program licensing agreement with the global pharmaceutical giant GSK. This collaboration focuses on the development of new medications aimed at treating neurodegenerative diseases by leveraging ABL Bio's advanced Grabody-B molecular delivery technology.
Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, present significant challenges due to the limitations of existing therapeutic agents in effectively reaching the brain. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) acts as a critical protective barrier, making it difficult for therapeutic molecules to penetrate and reach affected areas in the brain. Recognizing this challenge, ABL Bio has developed the Grabody-B platform, which is designed to facilitate the transport of various therapeutic candidates across the BBB by targeting the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R). This innovative approach promises to enhance the efficacy of treatments and deliver new hope for patients suffering from these debilitating conditions.
Under the terms of the agreement, ABL Bio is set to receive up to £77.1 million, consisting of initial upfront payments and milestone payments tied to the progress of the development programs. This includes an immediate upfront payment of £38.5 million, along with payments for various research milestones and potential program expansions. Should the collaboration lead to successful commercialization, ABL Bio could potentially earn up to £2.075 billion through milestone payments associated with the entire research, development, regulatory approval, and commercialization phases of several therapeutic programs.
Christopher Austin, Senior Vice President of Research Technologies at GSK, emphasized the urgent need for new therapeutic interventions for brain diseases, particularly as the prevalence of such conditions rises with an aging population. "This agreement highlights our commitment to innovative platform technologies that can effectively overcome the blood-brain barrier, thereby creating new opportunities to address these destructive diseases," he stated.
Sang Hoon Lee, CEO of ABL Bio, remarked, "This partnership with GSK underscores ABL Bio's leadership in BBB technology and its dedication to advancing transformative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases through strategic alliances with industry pioneers. Our ongoing commitment aligns with the growing incidence of neurodegenerative disorders, and together with GSK, we are optimistic about accelerating the development of innovative therapies and bringing renewed hope to patients worldwide."
ABL Bio's capabilities, built on its bispecific antibody platform, have led to a range of clinical and preclinical materials targeted for various indications. The company is engaged in clinical trials for several pipeline programs, including ABL301, ABL001, ABL111, and others, across multiple countries, including the United States, China, Australia, and South Korea. Particularly noteworthy is the recent designation received by ABL001 (tovecimig) as an accelerated approval candidate from the U.S. FDA, expediting its development process.
Furthermore, the ongoing clinical study of ABL111 (givastomig), developed in partnership with I-Mab, is expected to yield significant data from Phase 1b trials in 2025. Additionally, ABL Bio is preparing to initiate trials for ABL104 while continuing to innovate across its extensive pipeline, which includes various antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
This landmark agreement with GSK is poised to enable ABL Bio not only to expand its footprint in the neurodegenerative disease space but also to explore additional applications for the Grabody-B technology platform, enhancing its value within the global pharmaceutical landscape. With the commitment to tackle pressing medical needs, this collaboration heralds a new era in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, where patients may soon benefit from breakthrough therapeutic options derived from robust scientific research and innovative drug delivery solutions.