GSK Out-Licenses Rights for Rare Liver Disease Drug to Alfasigma

Core Insights - GSK plc has entered into a licensing agreement with Alfasigma, granting exclusive global rights to develop and market linerixibat, a therapy for cholestatic pruritus in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) [1][6] Financial Terms - GSK will receive an upfront payment of $300 million from Alfasigma and is eligible for milestone payments totaling up to $390 million, which includes $100 million upon FDA approval and $20 million upon approvals in the EU and UK [3][6] - Additionally, GSK will receive tiered double-digit royalties on linerixibat's net sales worldwide [3][6] Product Information - Linerixibat is an oral drug designed to inhibit the ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT), which helps reduce pruritus mediators in circulation [6] - The drug has shown positive results in the late-stage GLISTEN study, achieving significant improvements in cholestatic pruritus compared to placebo [6][7] - Regulatory filings for linerixibat have been submitted in multiple regions, with a final FDA decision expected by March 24, 2026 [7] Stock Performance - Year-to-date, GSK shares have increased by 13%, outperforming the industry growth of 6% [4]