GSK to work with antisense firm Isis on rare and infectious diseases

Isis Pharmaceuticals has secured a collaboration deal with GlaxoSmithKline which will see the latter pay $35 million in upfront cash and additional milestones in return for an option to license up to six anti-RNA therapeutic compounds at Phase II proof of concept. The deal covers rare and infectious diseases, and the targets will be contributed by GSK.

The Californian antisense therapy company will be eligible for around $20 million in milestones per programme up to Phase II proof of concept. If GSK chooses to license compounds, it will take responsibility for all further development and commercialisation. Isis could receive nearly $1