Cambridge, Massachusetts-based RNA specialist Wave Life Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: WVE) revealed that GSK has selected an undisclosed liver disease candidate developed by Wave for transfer into its development pipeline, triggering a USD 12 million milestone payment and marking another step forward for the companies' RNA medicines collaboration.
The candidate uses Wave's SpiNA-design GalNAc-siRNA technology, which combines its stereopure siRNA chemistry with GalNAc-mediated liver targeting. Wave said the format has shown improved potency, durability, and Ago2 loading compared with other siRNA designs, although the target and specific hepatology indication have not been disclosed.
The selection stems from the research collaboration the companies established in December 2022, under which GSK can advance up to eight programs using Wave's PRISM discovery platform, while Wave can advance up to three programs against targets identified using GSK's genetic insights.
GSK previously selected two hepatology programs under the collaboration in 2024 to advance toward development candidates. Those programs also use Wave's GalNAc-siRNA technology, although Wave described the newly selected candidate as incorporating its SpiNA-design format.
Under the collaboration, Wave is eligible for up to USD 330 million to USD 375 million in development, launch, and commercial milestones for each GSK collaboration program, as well as tiered royalties on net sales. Three additional programs are advancing toward potential candidate selection, according to Wave.