GSK signs oligonucleotide discovery technologies accord with Elsie Bio

San Diego, USA-based Elsie Biotechnologies has entered into a research collaboration agreement with UK pharma major GSK (LSE: GSK) to advance the discovery and development of Elsie’s innovative oligonucleotide discovery platform with the aim of finding novel oligonucleotides optimized for safety, efficacy, and delivery.

The collaboration combines GSK's extensive expertise in DNA encoded library technologies with Elsie's drug discovery platform. The companies will begin an initial research period where they will explore the platform capabilities. Throughout the research term, GSK may exercise an option to a non-exclusive license from Elsie for the discovery platform and P(V) chemistry technologies to employ in GSK’s own oligonucleotide drug discovery research.

Elsie will receive an undisclosed upfront collaboration payment from GSK to conduct initial research activities. If it opts into the option, GSK would be obligated to make further payments including licensing fees, development, and commercial milestones.