GSK has entered into a worldwide exclusive license agreement with Empirico for EMP-012, a first-in-class highly selective siRNA candidate for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).[1] This candidate targets a new therapeutic target and is currently in a phase I clinical trial, with the potential to be extended to other inflammatory airway diseases.[1] The deal adds EMP-012 to GSK's expanding pipeline of oligonucleotides in the respiratory, immunology, inflammation and infectious disease areas.[1] Oligonucleotides such as siRNA allow modulation of gene expression for targets that are not suitable for traditional small molecules or biologics.[1] GSK will pay $85 million in subscription payments and up to $660 million in development, regulatory and commercialization milestones, plus tiered royalties on net sales.[1] Empirico will continue clinical development of EMP-012 until completion of Phase I, after which GSK will assume responsibility for global development, regulatory submissions and commercialization.[1] The agreement gives GSK full worldwide rights to develop and commercialize EMP-012.[1]