Pharma BD Deal Intelligence
AbbVie's option-to-license deal with Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals for neuroplastogen therapies is already paying off—Phase 2a data on bretisilocin showed a Day 14 MADRS improvement of -21.6 vs -12.1 for the low-dose comparator (p=0.003) and 94% remission by Day 29, prompting AbbVie to buy the program outright for up to $1.2B just months later.
AbbVie and Gilgamesh sign potential $2B deal to develop neuroplastogens for psychiatric disorders.
AbbVie wagers more than $1B on psychedelic drug class that remains unproven in registration trials; novel mechanism has regulatory path uncertainty
AbbVie completes acquisition of Gilgamesh's bretisilocin for up to $1.2B (upfront + development milestones).
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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.
22M US cases/yr · $15.0B US Antidepressant Market
MDD affects approximately 8.3% of US adults. Despite multiple antidepressant classes, ~30% of patients are treatment-resistant. Neuroplastogen-based approaches like bretisilocin offer a novel mechanism through psychedelic-derived compounds that promote neural plasticity without prolonged hallucinogenic effects.
Bretisilocin (GM-2505) is a potential best-in-class psilocybin-derived neuroplastogen in Phase 2 for MDD. Competes with COMP360 (Compass Pathways), esketamine (Spravato, J&J), and traditional SSRIs/SNRIs. Key differentiator is rapid-onset without extended trip experience.
AbbVie paid $65M upfront for option on next-gen neuroplastogen therapies for psychiatric disorders.
Gilgamesh reported positive Phase 2a topline results for GM-2505 in major depressive disorder: Day 14 MADRS change -21.6 (10mg) vs -12.1 (1mg comparator), p=0.003; 70% remission at Day 14, 94% by Day 29; no serious adverse events. This data catalyzed AbbVie's subsequent bretisilocin acquisition.
AbbVie agreed to acquire the bretisilocin (GM-2505) program for up to $1.2B (completed Oct 17, 2025) as a separate transaction; Gilgamesh spun remaining programs into Gilgamesh Pharma Inc. This 2024 option-to-license collaboration remains in effect and was transferred to the new entity.
AbbVie exercised option on lead asset. Deepening commitment to non-hallucinogenic psychedelic-derived therapies.
| Deal | Year | Value | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| AbbVie Inc. / Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals Inc. (this deal) | 2024 | $2.0B | 64 |
| AbbVie Inc. / Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH | 2016 | $2.2B | 95 |
| AbbVie Inc. / Genmab A/S | 2020 | $3.9B | 81 |
| AbbVie Inc. / Pharmacyclics Inc. | 2015 | $21.0B | 79 |
| AbbVie Inc. / Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. | 2026 | $10.9B | 72 |
| AbbVie Inc. / ImmunoGen Inc. | 2023 | $10.1B | 69 |
| AbbVie Inc. / MedinCell S.A. | 2024 | $1.9B | 61 |
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