GSK secures exclusive option for DualityBio's preclinical ADC in $1bn deal

GSK and Duality Biologics have forged a significant partnership through an exclusive agreement valued at over $1 billion, focusing on the advancement of a preclinical antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) developed by DualityBio. This collaboration grants GSK the exclusive rights to a license for the development and global commercialization of DB-1324, with exceptions in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

DB-1324 is a promising candidate from DualityBio's Duality Immune Toxin Antibody Conjugate (DITAC) platform, specifically targeted at a form of gastrointestinal cancer. Gastrointestinal cancers represent a significant health challenge worldwide, accounting for approximately one-quarter of all cancer cases and one-third of cancer-related mortalities.

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are an innovative class of therapeutics in oncology. They combine the precision of antibodies with the potent cell-killing capabilities of chemotherapy or other anticancer agents. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which can impact a broad range of cells, ADCs are engineered to selectively target and eliminate tumor cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells.

DualityBio has highlighted the potential of DB-1324 to open up multiple combination therapy opportunities, aligning strategically with GSK's existing oncology portfolio. The agreement will see DualityBio initially receiving an upfront payment of $30 million, along with additional pre-option milestone payments. Should GSK choose to exercise its option, DualityBio stands to gain an option exercise fee, alongside potential developmental, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments that could total up to $975 million. Additionally, tiered royalties on net sales within GSK's territories will be provided.

Hesham Abdullah, GSK's senior vice president and global head of oncology research and development, expressed confidence in the strategic focus on ADCs. Abdullah emphasized the unique capacity of ADCs to target specific tumor cells while sparing healthy ones, suggesting that this approach could lead to innovative treatments for challenging cancer types.

John Zhu, CEO of DualityBio, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing the mutual goal of advancing an innovative ADC program to address unmet medical needs in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. Zhu noted the potential impact of this partnership in pushing forward DualityBio's pioneering efforts in oncology.

This deal adds to a busy period for GSK, which has been actively engaging in multiple strategic collaborations. Recently, GSK partnered with Rgenta Therapeutics to develop RNA-targeting small molecule splice modulators for various diseases, including oncology, in a deal valued at nearly $500 million per target. Additionally, in November, GSK entered a strategic partnership worth $650 million with Vesalius Therapeutics to explore and develop new treatments for Parkinson’s disease and another neurodegeneration indication.

These partnerships underscore GSK's commitment to expanding its research and development portfolio, particularly in the realm of oncology and neurodegenerative diseases, through strategic collaborations and innovative therapeutic approaches.