GSK paid $85 million up front for global rights to Empirico’s Phase‑1 siRNA candidate (EMP‑012) targeting inflammatory drivers of COPD and other respiratory diseases. The agreement gives GSK rights to develop EMP‑012 as monotherapy and in combinations, with up to ~$745 million in total milestones plus royalties. GSK described the program as potentially 'long‑acting' and effective across non‑type‑2 inflammation phenotypes—an underserved COPD subgroup. Empirico will continue early development while GSK assumes global commercialization and late‑stage responsibilities. The deal underscores big‑pharma appetite for oligonucleotide and inhaled nucleic acid strategies and reflects GSK’s intent to diversify respiratory modality mix. For readers: siRNA therapeutics silence mRNA transcripts and require delivery strategies that balance lung exposure, durability and safety.