GSK picks up asthma mAb

CNTO 7160 prevents interleukin-33 from binding to the ST2 receptor (IL-33R). This pathway is considered to be a promising target for the treatment of asthma. Promising enough that British pharma major GlaxoSmithKline is paying £175m (€208m) up front to Janssen Sciences Ireland UC for the exclusive, worldwide license. 

“The IL-33 receptor antibody joins our diverse respiratory R&D portfolio of targeted biological therapies and offers the potential to block a fundamental driver of the disease,” said Dave Allen, Head of Respiratory R&D at GSK.

Under the terms of the agreement, GSK will assume all development, manufacturing and commercialisation activities worldwide with the exception of the ongoing phase I study, which Janssen will continue to run through to completion. Janssen will receive up to £175 million comprising an upfront payment, development and first commercial sales milestones, in addition to tiered royalties on sales and further considerations contingent on future sales performance.

Allen added: “Following our recent successful launch of a first-in-class biologic for severe asthma in an eosinophilic population, we plan to investigate this asset’s potential to treat other targeted populations, for which there are currently no effective medicines.”

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