1. In Vivo
  2. >>Archive

GSK/Exelixis and In-Licensing: Earlier, Richer, Rarer

The broad partnership to discover and commercialize drugs in vascular biology, inflammatory diseases, and oncology announced this month between GlaxoSmithKline and Exelixis recalls the halcyon big-deal era of 2000. But the new deal's objects, structure, and value confirm industry changes in the last two-plus years: a focus on compounds, not discovery-stage science; that Big Pharma's poor R&D productivity is becoming obvious even to its research leadership; and that the biotechs who can sign these kinds of deals combine a set of discovery technologies into a package that, theoretically, produces clinical compounds.

The broad partnership to discover and commercialize drugs in vascular biology, inflammatory diseases, and oncology announced this month between GlaxoSmithKline PLC and Exelixis Inc. [See Deal] recalls the halcyon big-deal era of 2000—when in a similarly structured transaction Novartis AG and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. hooked up in a kinase target compound deal potentially worth $800 million [See Deal].

But the new deal's objects, structure, and value confirm industry changes in the last two-plus years. First, like Novartis/Vertex, GSK...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on In Vivo for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from Archive

More from In Vivo

Pharma’s Dance With Trump Risks Distracting From Longer-Term Threats

 
• By Melanie Senior

Industry is trying to side-step President Trump’s tariff- and price-curbing policy proposals. It may do better facing up to enduring R&D productivity and drug affordability challenges.

Tackling Fraud In The UK: Pharma, Are You Ready?

 
• By Trevor Francis

UK pharma faces a critical turning point as the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act introduces the "Failure to Prevent Fraud" offense in September 2025, requiring companies to transform their approach to fraud prevention or face severe consequences.

Rising Leaders 2025: Kura Oncology’s Mollie Leoni On Setting Precedent, Not Following It

 
• By Jo Shorthouse

Kura Oncology's new chief medical officer discusses her path to leadership, the company's advancing AML pipeline, and her methodical approach to developing treatments for underserved oncology indications.