GSK has entered into a new partnership with CAMP4 Therapeutics to develop RNA-targeting therapies aimed at neurodegenerative and kidney diseases. The agreement, announced Thursday, involves an upfront payment of $17.5 million from GSK to CAMP4. Through the collaboration, GSK will utilize CAMP4’s RAP Platform to identify regulatory RNAs that control gene expression. Together, the companies plan to design antisense oligonucleotides that can increase the expression of these genes, after which GSK will lead clinical development and commercialization.
A representative for the companies told BioSpace in an email that there will be “multiple candidates” developed under this alliance, though specific details about the number of programs were not disclosed.
Under the terms of the deal, CAMP4 could receive up to $440 million in development and commercial milestone payments and is also eligible for tiered royalties on future product sales.
This agreement comes as several major pharmaceutical companies have made significant deals before year-end. Earlier in the week, Bristol Myers Squibb agreed to a partnership worth more than $1 billion with Harbour BioMed to develop multi-specific antibodies for undisclosed indications. On the same day, Roche announced a deal exceeding $1.1 billion with Caris Life Sciences focused on using artificial intelligence for novel drug development targeting solid tumors.
The partnership between GSK and CAMP4 places them alongside other large players pursuing RNA-targeting approaches. In October, Novartis acquired Avidity Biosciences for $12 billion; Avidity also focuses on RNA-targeting therapies using antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates—a technology designed to direct therapeutic nucleotides toward specific targets via monoclonal antibodies. Avidity is developing these therapies primarily for neuromuscular disorders such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy and myotonic dystrophy type 1.
“Multiple candidates” are expected from the new GSK-CAMP4 collaboration according to company representatives.
