Chinese biotechnology company Frontier Biotechnologies has entered into a global, exclusive licensing agreement with British pharmaceutical giant GSK. The deal concerns the rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize two experimental therapies based on small interfering RNA, targeting kidney diseases. According to Reuters, the agreement could be worth up to $1 billion, including upfront, milestone, and royalty payments. The signing of the documents was confirmed by both companies in a press release on Monday.

Global exclusive license

British GSK has obtained worldwide exclusive rights to two experimental RNA therapies from Frontier Biotech, which are based on small interfering RNA technology.

Deal value up to a billion dollars

According to Reuters information, the agreement, including upfront, milestone, and future sales royalty payments, could be worth up to $1 billion USD.

Therapies for kidney diseases

The two therapies that are the subject of the agreement are intended for the treatment of kidney diseases, although their specific indications have not been publicly disclosed.

Rise in Frontier Biotech shares

Frontier Biotechnologies is listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange under the symbol 688221.SS. Following the announcement of the transaction, there may have been significant changes in its share valuation.

Chinese biotechnology firm Frontier Biotechnologies Inc. entered into a global, exclusive licensing agreement on Monday with the British pharmaceutical conglomerate GSK. The agreement concerns the rights to develop, manufacture, and bring to market two experimental therapies based on small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology, which are aimed at treating kidney diseases. According to Reuters, which was the sole source for the estimated valuation, the deal could be worth a total of up to $1 billion US dollars, including upfront payments, milestone payments, and future sales royalties.

siRNA technology, for the discovery of which Andrew Fire and Craig Mello received the Nobel Prize in 2006, revolutionized research on gene regulation. The first siRNA-based drug, patisiran, was approved for the treatment of transthyretin amyloidosis in 2018, paving the way for an entire new class of therapeutics. Since then, major pharmaceutical companies like Novartis and Roche have been actively investing in this area through partnerships and acquisitions. The announcement of the signed agreement was made on Monday, February 24, 2026, via a press release distributed by PR Newswire. Frontier Biotechnologies is headquartered in Nanjing, China, and its shares are listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) under the symbol 688221.SS. For the company, this is a strategic partnership that could provide significant funding for further research and a global reach for commercialization. For GSK, the transaction is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its portfolio in the area of advanced therapies and specialty medicines. The specific therapeutic indications for the two RNA molecules that are the subject of the agreement have not been made public.

„Frontier Biotechnologies Inc. (hereinafter referred to as "Frontier Biotech" or "the Company") has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with GSK, a global biopharma company.” — Frontier Biotechnologies Inc. [{"aspekt": "Total potential deal value", "przed": "Undisclosed", "po": "up to $1 billion USD"}, {"aspekt": "Therapy rights", "przed": "Frontier Biotech", "po": "GSK (global exclusive license)"}, {"aspekt": "Therapeutic area", "przed": "Research development", "po": "Kidney diseases (2 siRNA therapies)"}] The transaction fits into a global trend where large pharmaceutical companies acquire innovative technologies from smaller, biotech partners, often from Asia. This cooperation reflects the growing competition in the field of nucleic acid-based drugs, considered one of the most important future therapeutic platforms.

Perspektywy mediów: In investment and technology-focused media, the deal will be presented as a significant success for Chinese innovation and proof of the global competitiveness of the Asian biotech sector. Conservative commentary may focus on the risk associated with transferring advanced technologies out of the country and the dependence on a foreign corporation for commercialization.

Mentioned People

  • Sri Hari N S — Reuters agency journalist from the Bengaluru Bureau, who prepared the original report on the deal.