Chugai and GSK sign an exclusive worldwide license agreement for AID351, an anti-dengue antibody targeting all four dengue virus serotypes.
Written By: Siddhi Bhadekar, M. Pharm (QA)
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
Chugai Pharmaceutical has granted GSK exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize AID351, an anti-dengue virus antibody candidate being developed for dengue fever. The two companies signed the exclusive license agreement on August 17, 2026, building on a collaboration agreement for AID351 signed on January 30, 2025. The antibody is expected to be used to manage flavivirus infections, including dengue fever.
License Terms Transfer Development and Commercial Rights to GSK
Under the newly signed agreement, GSK receives an exclusive, worldwide license from Chugai covering the development, manufacturing, and, if successful, commercialization of AID351. GSK will be responsible for the clinical development of the asset, including Phase I clinical trials, and will also handle manufacturing.
In return, Chugai is eligible to receive royalties based on future product sales by GSK, if successful, as well as a percentage of any sublicensing income received by GSK from third parties.
Origins of AID351 in Singapore-Based Antibody Research
AID351 traces back to a 2017 discovery by A*STAR Singapore Immunology Network (A*STAR SIgN) and the National University of Singapore (NUS), where researchers identified a new human antibody showing high neutralizing activity against all four dengue virus serotypes.
Chugai Pharmabody Research (CPR), the Chugai Pharmaceutical Group’s research base in Singapore, subsequently undertook optimization of the antibody by applying Chugai’s proprietary antibody engineering technologies, leading to the development of AID351.
The project was advanced through collaboration between CPR and A*STAR SIgN, using the antibody derived from A*STAR SIgN and NUS as the lead. During its development, the project received grant funding twice from the Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund.
Dengue Fever: Global Disease Burden and Unmet Treatment Need
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies dengue fever as one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). Dengue is a mosquito-transmitted febrile disease that is rapidly spreading in tropical and subtropical urbanized regions.
In severe cases, dengue can progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. The disease is a leading cause of hospitalization and death in many countries in Asia and Latin America.
According to WHO, about half of the world’s population is now at risk of dengue, with an estimated 100 million to 400 million infections occurring each year. There is currently no effective drug for the treatment of dengue fever.
Company Statements on the Licensing Milestone
GSK’s Chief Global Health Officer, Dr. Harmony P. Garges, said the agreement reflects the company’s ambition to address high-burden infectious diseases in lower-income countries. She highlighted the estimated 100 million to 400 million dengue infections occurring globally each year and the gap in treatment solutions.
Chugai’s President and CEO, Dr. Osamu Okuda, described the exclusive license as a significant milestone and a major step forward from the collaboration agreement signed in January 2025. He said the companies aim to combine GSK’s global development capabilities with Chugai’s antibody engineering technologies to advance new solutions for dengue fever.
Clinical Development Pathway and Trial Status
The August 17, 2026 agreement marks the transition from the companies’ earlier collaboration to a broader development and commercialization arrangement, with GSK advancing AID351 through clinical development.
Under the agreement, GSK will undertake clinical development, including Phase I clinical trials, and will be responsible for manufacturing AID351.
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About the Writer
Siddhi Rajendra Bhadekar(Linkedin) is an M.Pharm professional with expertise in medical and scientific writing, literature review, publication writing, and evidence synthesis, supported by four peer-reviewed publications.
She brings working knowledge of ICH-GCP, MedDRA, pharmacovigilance, ADR/AE reporting, clinical data management, and regulatory documentation.
With experience across pharmaceutical R&D, Quality Control, and Quality Assurance, she combines scientific research skills with strong attention to accuracy and detail.
Her background in manuscript development, publication planning, and scientific communication enables her to translate complex healthcare information into clear, reliable content.