GSK licenses COPD candidate from Empirico

UK pharma major GSK (LSE: GSK) and US clinical-stage biotech Empirico, with leading capabilities in human genetics-driven target discovery and siRNA medicines, have entered into a worldwide exclusive license agreement for EMP-012, a highly selective first- and potentially best-in-class siRNA, a type of oligonucleotide.

EMP-012 addresses a novel therapeutic target and is currently in a phase I trial for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with the potential for expansion into other inflammatory respiratory diseases.

GSK pointed out the medical need in COPD remains high despite ongoing innovation. By 2050, COPD prevalence is expected to increase to about 600 million people and become the leading cause of all hospital admissions, costing healthcare systems approximately $4 trillion. Given the heterogeneous nature of COPD, novel therapeutic approaches are needed to treat the full spectrum of patients, especially those who do not qualify for biologics and face continued symptoms, exacerbations and hospitalizations.