(Alliance News) - GSK PLC on Tuesday said it will acquire asthma drug developer Aiolos Bio Inc for USD1 billion upfront, as well as up to USD400 million in certain success-based milestone payments.

The Brentford, West London-based pharmaceutical company said the acquisition will help boost its respiratory pipeline, as it will gain access to Aiolos' anti-thymic stromal lymphopoietin monoclonal antibody, AIO-001.

According to GSK, AIO-001 is currently ready to enter phase 2 clinical development for the treatment of adult patients with asthma, with the potential for additional indications including chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

GSK Chief Scientific Director Tony Wood said: "Adding AIO-001, a potentially best-in-class medicine targeting the TSLP pathway, could expand the reach of our current respiratory biologics portfolio, including to the 40% of severe asthma patients with low T2 inflammation where treatment options are still needed."

Shares in GSK rose 0.1% to 1,550.40 pence each in London on Tuesday morning.

By Sabrina Penty, Alliance News reporter

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