Gilead Sciences and Denmark-based LEO Pharma have signed a strategic partnership to accelerate the development and commercialization of LEO’s small molecule oral STAT6 programs for the potential treatment of patients with inflammatory diseases.
STAT6 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 6) is the protein required for IL-4 and IL-13 cytokine signaling, which are clinically validated targets for inflammatory conditions such as atopic dermatitis, asthma and COPD. Through the partnership, Gilead hopes to use the STAT6 pathway to develop an oral option for patients suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions.
Per the deal, Gilead will acquire LEO Pharma’s preclinical oral STAT6 small molecule inhibitors and targeted protein degraders. Gilead will be responsible for development of the oral programs, while LEO will lead development for potential topical formulations.
LEO Pharma is eligible to receive up to $1.7 billion in total payments, including an upfront payment of $250 million. In addition, LEO may also receive tiered royalties from Gilead on sales of oral STAT6 products.
Gilead’s current inflammatory disease portfolio includes Livdelzi capsules, which were approved in August 2024 for treatment of the chronic autoimmune disease, primary biliary cholangitis.