GSK snaps up Empirico’s siRNA COPD asset in $745M deal
FIRSTWORD PHARMA—Aiming to further boost its oligonucleotide pipeline, GSK inked a licensing deal potentially worth up to $745 million for rights to Empirico’s EMP-012, an siRNA candidate in early clinical development for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
GSK said EMP-012 — developed through Empirico’s proprietary siRNA chemistry — aligns with its current COPD portfolio, including long-acting biologics, whilst providing optionality for combination therapy approaches. The siRNA is known to target a novel pathway and operates independently of baseline type 2 inflammation, smoking status, or comorbid disease, potentially enabling treatment across the complete spectrum of patients with the lung condition.