GSK signs collaboration deal with Ligand targeting neurological disorders This is the latest in a string of pipeline deals announced by GSK GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has signed a collaboration and licence agreement with Ligand Pharmaceuticals’ subsidiary Icagen to develop small molecule therapeutics targeting neurological diseases. The deal will leverage Icagen’s expertise in small molecule therapeutics targeting transmembrane proteins, utilising the company’s discovery technology to identify and develop inhibitors of a ‘specific genetically-validated molecular target’ relevant to neurological diseases. GSK will pay Ligand an upfront payment of $7m to access its expertise and technology, with additional development, regulatory and commercialisation milestone payments of up to $154.5m.