Monday, July 10, 2023
Elsie Biotechnologies, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on maximizing the potential of oligonucleotide therapeutics, has announced a research collaboration agreement with GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK). The collaboration aims to advance Elsie's innovative oligonucleotide discovery platform, with the goal of identifying novel oligonucleotides that offer improved safety, efficacy, and delivery. By combining GSK's expertise in DNA encoded library technologies with Elsie's drug discovery platform, the partnership seeks to leverage their respective strengths. The initial research phase will involve exploring the capabilities of the platform, and GSK has the option to obtain a non-exclusive license from Elsie for the discovery platform and P(V) chemistry technologies to further enhance their own oligonucleotide drug discovery research.
According to Elsie Biotechnologies, Inc., their Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Green, expressed the potential of their next-generation oligonucleotide therapeutics, including RNA medicines, in addressing human diseases with limited treatment options. The collaboration with GSK combines the expertise of both companies, leveraging GSK's leadership in DNA encoded library technologies and Elsie's unique capabilities in the discovery platform and P(V) chemistry. The primary goal of the collaboration is to discover new RNA medicines.
Elsie's proprietary discovery platform is known for its ultra-high throughput process, enabling comprehensive evaluation of the entire oligonucleotide chemical space. By employing proprietary encoding technology and P(V) chemistry, Elsie can evaluate all possible sequences and chemical modification patterns to enhance therapeutic activity, reduce toxicity, and improve delivery of oligonucleotide candidates.
Phil Baran, Ph.D., a Co-founder of Elsie Biotechnologies, highlighted the platform's ability to explore the complete chemical oligonucleotide space and optimize safety, activity, and delivery of oligonucleotide therapeutics. Phil Dawson, Ph.D., another Co-founder, expressed confidence in overcoming historical limitations in drug development and expanding the application of oligonucleotide medicines to previously challenging diseases.
Under the collaboration agreement, GSK will provide Elsie with an upfront collaboration payment for initial research activities. If GSK exercises its option during the research term, additional payments, including licensing fees, development costs, and commercial milestones, will be obligated.
