GlaxoSmithKline struck two strategic deals this week: a licensing pact with China’s Frontier Biotechnologies for two siRNA immunology candidates and an outright $950 million cash acquisition of 35Pharma to add a pulmonary‑hypertension‑ready candidate HS‑235. The Oasis of deals expands GSK’s oligonucleotide footprint while also shoring up its rare cardiopulmonary pipeline. Under the Frontier deal, GSK paid $40 million upfront and could remit nearly $1 billion in milestones to secure worldwide rights. The 35Pharma acquisition gives immediate global control over a Phase II‑ready PH asset and fits into GSK’s intent to bolster specialty franchises via bolt‑on transactions. Executives at GSK framed both moves as platform and pipeline investments: the siRNA rights strengthen modality expertise, while the PAH buy accelerates near‑term clinical assets. Analysts note the transactions reflect big‑pharma appetite for outside innovation to replenish mid‑stage pipelines.
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