Pharma BD Deal Intelligence
In May 2024 AbbVie entered a collaboration and option-to-license agreement with Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals to develop next-generation neuroplastogen (psychedelic-derived) therapies for psychiatric disorders, paying $65M upfront with up to $1.95B in option fees and milestones plus tiered royalties. The collaboration produced a clinical winner: in May 2025 Gilgamesh reported positive Phase 2a topline data for bretisilocin (GM-2505), a short-acting 5-HT2A receptor agonist and 5-HT releaser, in major depressive disorder (Day 14 MADRS -21.6 for 10mg vs -12.1 for the 1mg comparator, p=0.003; 94% remission by Day 29). In August 2025 AbbVie acquired the bretisilocin program outright for up to $1.2B (a separate transaction), and Gilgamesh spun its remaining programs into a new entity, Gilgamesh Pharma Inc. This original option-to-license collaboration remains in effect and was transferred to Gilgamesh Pharma Inc.