Wave Life Sciences regained full global rights to WVE-006, its lead RNA editing candidate for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), from GSK on February 2, 2026.123
WVE-006 is a first-in-class GalNAc-conjugated RNA editing oligonucleotide designed to address both lung and liver manifestations of AATD, affecting about 200,000 people in the US and Europe, with no current therapies targeting both.149
Wave plans to accelerate regulatory engagement with the FDA for potential accelerated approval, expecting feedback mid-2026, ahead of additional data from the ongoing phase 1b/2a RestorAATion-2 trial due by end of March 2026.123
GSK's decision aligns with its focus on large-scale respiratory diseases, while the broader 2022 collaboration continues, with GSK advancing up to eight programs and recently selecting a fourth.235
Wave expects cash runway into Q3 2028, not including potential GSK milestone payments.13
Sources:
1. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/02/02/3230159/0/en/Wave-Life-Sciences-Announces-Plans-to-Accelerate-Regulatory-Engagement-with-Full-Control-of-WVE-006-for-Alpha-1-Antitrypsin-Deficiency.html
2. https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/wave-gsk-reacquire-rna-editing-drug-aatd/811067/
3. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/wave-regains-rights-genetic-disease-rna-editor-gsk
4. https://marketchameleon.com/articles/b/2026/2/2/wave-life-sciences-accelerates-regulatory-pathway-with-full-control-of-wve-006
5. https://wavelifesciences.com/science/collaborations/
9. https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/wave-life-sciences-stock-rises-after-regaining-full-rights-to-aatd-therapy-93CH-4479568