GSK Invests $745 Million in COPD siRNA Therapy EMP-012 Through Global Deal with Empirico

Oct 28, 2025 18:06 CST Updated 18:06

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October 28, 2025GGSK andEmpiricoReach a global exclusive licensing agreement, jointly developed by both partiesThe siRNA candidate drug EMP-012 for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

According to the agreement,EmpiricoWill Obtain$85 million upfront payment,Up to $660 million in milestone paymentsInAndGlobal Net Sales Tiered Royalty.

In return, GSK will receiveAll global development and commercial rights for EMP-012. Currently, the drug continues to be led by Empirico to complete Phase I trials (expected to conclude in Q2 2024); GSK will take over subsequent global development, registration, and commercialization.

EMP-012 is a highly selective, first-of-its-kind iRNA,Targeting a unique inflammatory pathway, preclinical data shows that the drug has moreStrong efficacy and longer dosing intervals; in addition, the drug is expected toExtending to other inflammatory respiratory diseases.

The completion of this transaction,Strategically complements GSK's ongoing COPD programs, including long-acting biologics. In addition to its potential as a monotherapy, EMP-012 may form combination regimens with related products in its pipeline.

In May this year, GSK's IL-5 monoclonal antibody Mepolizumab received FDA approval for a new indication, becoming the second COPD biologic globally. In the small molecule field,GSK has also laid out Relvar Ellipta (Fluticasone + Umeclidinium + Vilanterol).

In order to further consolidate its market position, or say, to gain a share from Dupilumab,GSK continues to increase its investment.As early as July this year, the company reached a global collaboration with GSK worth up to 12 billion US dollars, with core assets including the PDE3/4 inhibitor HRS-9821 and 11 innovative projects.

In less than half a year, GSK has once again fueled the COPD field: small molecules are available, antibodies targeting the Th2 pathway are also in play, and now it’s time to focus on small nucleic acids.

FigureSource: DreamAI

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