GSK plc and Syndivia, a private biotechnology company specializing in next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), have announced an agreement granting GSK exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize a preclinical ADC targeting metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
Each year, around 1.4 million men are diagnosed with prostate cancer globally, and 10–20% progress to metastatic castration-resistant disease within five years. For patients with mCRPC, effective targeted therapies remain scarce, and existing treatments can be challenging to access or poorly tolerated, offering only modest benefits. Survival outcomes remain dismal, with a five-year survival rate of approximately 30% and a median survival of just two years.
The novel ADC leverages Syndivia’s proprietary GeminiMab conjugation platform, demonstrating strong anti-tumour activity and a favourable safety profile in preclinical studies. The data suggest the ADC can effectively reduce tumour burden without a corresponding increase in significant adverse effects, even at higher doses. Designed to deliver therapy directly to the tumour, the ADC addresses a key gap in mCRPC treatment — offering potential for both efficacy and accessibility in community healthcare settings.
GSK continues to build a robust oncology pipeline encompassing ADCs with unique antigens and payloads, next-generation small molecules, and T-cell engagers. This new program complements other assets such as GSK’227, its B7-H3-targeting ADC, strengthening its position in prostate cancer innovation.
Hesham Abdullah, Senior Vice President, Global Head Oncology, R&D, GSK, stated: “Prostate cancer represents a significant health burden and an emerging area of growth for GSK, where targeted therapies are urgently needed in metastatic castration-resistant settings. The addition of this ADC builds on GSK's growing portfolio and strengths in tumour-targeted technologies, including GSK’227, our B7-H3-targeting ADC.”
Sasha Koniev, Chief Executive Officer, Syndivia, added: “We are proud that GSK will advance this programme on a global scale. This agreement underscores the value of our GeminiMab ADC platform and the opportunity to bring a promising new therapy to patients with pressing unmet medical needs.”
Under the agreement, Syndivia will receive an upfront payment, with success-based milestones totalling up to £268 million, along with tiered royalties on future worldwide sales. GSK will lead development, manufacturing, and global commercialization of the ADC program.
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