GSK pruning pipeline, returning sirukumab rights to J&J

GlaxoSmithKline plc (LSE:GSK; NYSE:GSK) plans to discontinue more than 30 programs as it realigns its priorities to focus on a handful of therapeutic areas. The company said it will direct 80% of its R&D investments toward "priority assets" to treat respiratory disorders, infectious diseases including HIV, oncology and immuno-inflammation.

Among the discontinuations is sirukumab (CNTO 136), a mAb against IL-6 that is under FDA and EMA review to treat rheumatoid arthritis. GSK will return the candidate's full rights to Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ). GSK held sirukumab's rights in North, Central and South America under a 2011 deal (see BioCentury Extra, Sept. 23, 2016). ...