GSK inked an exclusive license with Empirico for a Phase I siRNA candidate, EMP‑012, focused on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other inflammatory respiratory diseases. The deal carries an $85 million upfront payment and up to roughly $745 million in downstream milestones plus royalties, reflecting GSK’s intent to broaden its respiratory portfolio beyond biologics and small molecules. GSK described EMP‑012 as long‑acting with potential to treat non‑type‑2 inflammatory COPD patients, a subgroup with limited therapeutic options. Empirico retains development responsibilities for the ongoing Phase I work, while GSK will lead global development and commercialization. The agreement underscores Big Pharma’s continued interest in oligonucleotide modalities for chronic diseases and illustrates how strategic licensing can accelerate pipeline diversification in respiratory R&D.