GSK to acquire Aiolos Bio to expand respiratory treatment portfolio

GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) and Aiolos Bio, Inc. (Aiolos) have announced a significant agreement, where GSK will acquire Aiolos, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on respiratory and inflammatory conditions. The acquisition, valued at $1 billion upfront and potential regulatory milestone payments of up to $400 million, signifies GSK’s commitment to addressing the unmet needs of patients with respiratory diseases.

Acquisition Enhances GSK’s Asthma Treatment Capabilities

This strategic acquisition grants GSK access to Aiolos’ AIO-001, a long-acting anti-thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) monoclonal antibody, poised for phase II clinical development. AIO-001 presents a potential breakthrough for adult patients with asthma and could extend to other conditions like chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. The therapy was initially licensed to Aiolos outside of Greater China by Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (Hengrui).

GSK to bolster respiratory disease pipeline with strategic acquisition of Aiolos Bio

Comments from GSK’s Chief Scientific Officer

Tony Wood, GSK’s Chief Scientific Officer, highlighted the company’s legacy and expertise in respiratory medicines, particularly addressing diseases driven by high levels of eosinophils or T2 inflammation. He emphasized that AIO-001 could enhance the reach of GSK’s respiratory biologics portfolio, potentially benefiting 40% of severe asthma patients with low T2 inflammation who currently lack adequate treatment options.

Potential Benefits of Targeting the TSLP Pathway

Targeting the TSLP pathway is a key driver in addressing the inflammatory response in major allergic and inflammatory diseases. AIO-001’s early studies have shown promising results in terms of safety, tolerability, and biological activity. Its potential for six-monthly dosing due to enhanced potency and half-life extension technology could redefine the standard of care in asthma treatment.

Expanding Treatment Options for a Broader Range of Patients

GSK’s portfolio of marketed and investigational medicines addresses various respiratory diseases. With AIO-001, the company aims to provide a biologic option to a broader portion of the 315 million patients living with asthma, regardless of biomarker status, including those with low T2 inflammation.

Comments from Aiolos Bio’s CEO

Khurem Farooq, CEO of Aiolos Bio, expressed optimism about the acquisition. By partnering with GSK, Aiolos hopes to rapidly advance AIO-001, potentially reducing the treatment burden for patients significantly.

Financial Considerations and Regulatory Clearances

Under the agreement terms, GSK will pay a $1 billion upfront payment, with additional success-based regulatory milestone payments and royalties owed to Hengrui. The transaction is subject to standard conditions, including regulatory clearances under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act in the US.

About Aiolos Bio and AIO-001

Founded in 2023, Aiolos Bio, based in San Francisco, USA, and London, UK, is dedicated to revolutionizing respiratory disease treatment. AIO-001, their novel monoclonal antibody, targets the human TSLP ligand to inhibit TSLP signaling, a central driver in asthma inflammation.