London, January 26, 2024 — GSK is making a significant move in the biopharmaceutical world, agreeing to acquire RAPT Therapeutics for $2.2 billion (1.89 billion euros). The deal brings a promising new therapy for food allergies into GSK’s pipeline, and marks the first acquisition under its new CEO.
GSK Expands Allergy Treatment Portfolio with RAPT Acquisition
The acquisition centers on ozureprubart, a long-acting anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) monoclonal antibody currently in Phase II development.
- GSK will pay $58 per share for RAPT Therapeutics, a 65.2% premium over the company’s closing price last Monday.
- The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.
- In a related move, Pfizer is exiting its shareholding in ViiV Healthcare, while Shionogi will increase its stake.
“Its addition provides another promising treatment, potentially the best in its class, to the GSK product portfolio,” stated GSK’s scientific director, Tony Wood. The acquisition isn’t just about a single drug; it’s about bolstering GSK’s position in the rapidly evolving field of immunological therapies.
What causes food allergies, and how might this new therapy help? Food allergies occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies a food protein as harmful, triggering a reaction. Ozureprubart aims to neutralize IgE antibodies, which play a key role in these allergic responses.
The agreement includes an upfront payment of $1.9 billion (1.621 billion euros) plus potential royalty payments and milestone-based payments tied to the allergy therapy’s progress. GSK will have global rights to the treatment, excluding mainland China, Macau, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
Pfizer Exits ViiV Healthcare
Alongside the RAPT Therapeutics acquisition, GSK announced changes to the ownership structure of ViiV Healthcare, a company specializing in HIV treatments. Pfizer, a co-founder of ViiV Healthcare, will sell its stake for approximately $1.875 billion (1.6 billion euros).
Japanese pharmaceutical company Shionogi will increase its participation from 10% to 21.7% by investing $2.125 billion (1.813 billion euros). GSK will remain the majority shareholder with a 78.3% stake and will also receive a special dividend of $250 million (213.3 million euros).
