ABL Bio Inc. (KOSDAQ: 298380), a biotechnology company specializing in bispecific antibodies for immuno-oncology and neurodegenerative diseases, has announced a global licensing agreement with pharmaceutical giant GSK. The partnership aims to develop a range of innovative therapies targeting neurodegenerative conditions by leveraging ABL Bio’s proprietary Grabody-B platform — a molecular shuttle designed to deliver drugs across the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
The agreement covers multiple programs focused on creating new treatments that use Grabody-B to facilitate the delivery of various therapeutic molecules to the brain. These molecules include antibodies, polynucleotides, and oligonucleotides such as siRNA and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), offering potential solutions for currently unmet medical needs in neurological care.
The blood-brain barrier is a natural defense that protects the brain from harmful substances, but it also presents a significant obstacle for drug delivery. Grabody-B addresses this challenge by targeting the Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Receptor (IGF1R), enabling therapies to penetrate the BBB and reach the central nervous system more effectively.
As part of the collaboration, ABL Bio will receive upfront and near-term payments totaling up to £77.1 million. This includes an initial payment of £38.5 million, with additional milestone payments tied to research progress and potential program expansion. Beyond these milestones, ABL Bio is also eligible for further payments linked to development, regulatory approvals, and commercialization achievements. Once any therapies reach the market, ABL Bio will earn tiered royalties based on product sales.
Under the terms of the deal, ABL Bio will transfer its Grabody-B technology and expertise to GSK. In return, GSK will be responsible for preclinical and clinical development, as well as manufacturing and global commercialization of any resulting therapies.
Commenting on the agreement, Christopher Austin, Senior Vice President of Research Technologies at GSK, stated, “As the global population ages, there is a growing need for novel treatments targeting neurodegenerative diseases. Some of the most promising therapeutic candidates are antibodies, but they struggle to reach the brain without a dedicated delivery system. Platforms like Grabody-B open up new possibilities for treating these devastating disorders and are a vital component of our next-generation product development strategy.”
This collaboration highlights the increasing importance of advanced drug delivery technologies in the development of neurological therapies, with the potential to revolutionize treatment approaches for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other brain-related diseases.