#GSK #Grabody-B #ABL Bio

ABL Bio and GSK Collaboration for Neurodegenerative Disease Treatments

In an exciting development in the biotechnology realm, ABL Bio Inc. (KOSDAQ: 298380), a South Korean clinical-stage company specializing in bispecific antibody technology, has announced a significant licensing agreement with GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) to develop new drugs targeting neurodegenerative diseases. This collaboration exploits ABL Bio's innovative Grabody-B platform, which focuses on enhancing drug delivery through the formidable blood-brain barrier (BBB).

The complexity of treating neurological conditions lies in the BBB, which serves as a protective shield that restricts harmful substances from entering the brain. This classic barrier poses a substantial challenge in the development of effective therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Many promising treatments fail because they cannot cross this barrier. However, ABL Bio's Grabody-B system targets the insulin-like growth factor receptor 1 (IGF1R), effectively facilitating the passage of drugs into the brain, which could lead to highly efficient therapeutic interventions.

Key Financial Aspects of the Deal

Under the terms of this agreement, ABL Bio stands to gain up to £77.1 million through upfront payments and short-term milestones, with an immediate upfront payment of £38.5 million intended for the realization of research milestones and potential program expansion. The total potential revenue could reach £2.075 billion, contingent on successfully meeting research, development, regulatory, and commercialization milestones across multiple potential programs.

Furthermore, ABL Bio will receive tiered royalties on net sales if the products are successfully commercialized. As a part of this arrangement, ABL will transfer technology and know-how related to Grabody-B to GSK. In turn, GSK will assume responsibility for preclinical and clinical development, production, and commercialization of the therapies developed under this partnership.

Vision for the Future

Christopher Austin, GSK’s senior vice president for research technologies, emphasized the urgent need for new treatments for brain-related neurodegenerative diseases, especially given the rising prevalence linked to an aging population. He stated,