GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has added development candidate ISIS-GSK3_Rx to its collaboration with Isis Pharmaceuticals. Isis earned $7 million in milestone payments associated with the advancement of this program. ISIS-GSK3_Rx is an antisense drug designed to inhibit the production of an undisclosed target to treat a common viral infection. Isis will develop ISIS-GSK3_Rx to phase II proof-of-concept, after which GSK has an exclusive option to in-license the program and further develop and commercialize the asset.

As a part of the alliance, Isis is eligible to earn additional pre-licensing milestone payments from GSK as ISIS-GSK3_Rx advances. Isis also is eligible to receive double-digit royalties on sales of ISIS-GSK3_Rx. The alliance applies Isis' antisense drug discovery platform to discover and develop new therapeutics against targets for rare and/or serious diseases.