GSK partners with DualityBio for new ADC deal

UK pharmaceutical giant GSK has entered into a new antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) collaboration in China, partnering with Duality Biologics. This deal, valued at $30 million upfront with a potential total of up to $975 million, grants GSK access to a preclinical-stage ADC targeting an undisclosed gastrointestinal cancer. Duality Biologics, a biotech firm based in Shanghai and Suzhou, had previously announced its intentions to go public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, estimating its partnerships to be worth over $4 billion. The new collaboration with GSK has pushed that potential total above $5 billion.

This recent deal is part of GSK’s broader strategy involving ADCs. In the fall of 2023, GSK secured two ADC deals with Hansoh Pharma, focusing on drugs HS-20093 and HS-20089. HS-20093 received an FDA breakthrough therapy designation for treating relapsed or refractory extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer, while HS-20089 targets B7-H4.

GSK's agreement with Duality Biologics grants them an exclusive worldwide option to DB-1324, excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. GSK already produces the ADC Blenrep, which has faced some challenges, and is also advancing several other experimental ADC candidates through various stages of clinical trials.

ADCs are an emerging area of interest in the pharmaceutical industry due to their ability to selectively target tumor cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells. This makes them a promising approach for treating some of the most difficult cancer types. GSK’s global head of oncology R&D, Hesham Abdullah, expressed confidence in the company’s focus on ADCs, noting their potential to significantly advance cancer treatment.

The pharmaceutical industry has seen a surge in ADC-related deals and acquisitions in recent years, with many large companies entering the space. Earlier this week, Gilead announced a deal worth up to $415 million for a solid tumor ADC from Munich-based Tubulis. Numerous other deals have involved Chinese biotech firms, such as Avenzo Therapeutics and Shanghai-based VelaVigo.

ADCs have become a focal point for many drugmakers due to their unique mechanism of action that allows for targeted cancer treatment. GSK, among others, is investing heavily in this innovative therapy, hoping to develop new treatments for challenging cancer types and improve patient outcomes.

This strategic move by GSK to partner with Duality Biologics highlights the growing importance of ADCs in oncology and underscores the company's commitment to advancing new cancer therapies. As GSK continues to expand its portfolio of ADCs, it aims to leverage its expertise and collaborations to bring new, effective treatments to market.