GSK has completed its previously announced acquisition of RAPT Therapeutics, a California-based, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing novel therapies for patients living with inflammatory and immunologic diseases.

The acquisition includes ozureprubart, a long-acting anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) monoclonal antibody, currently in phase-II(b) clinical development for prophylactic protection against food allergens. IgE is a clinically validated target and is the only approved systemic therapy shown to protect patients from a harmful allergic and inflammatory immune response. Around 94 percent of severe food allergies are caused by IgE-mediated reactions.

Current anti-IgE treatment for food allergy involves injections every two to four weeks, which can be a significant burden, particularly since most patients are children. Ozureprubart’s clinical profile offers the potential for less frequent dosing of every 12 weeks, supporting improved compliance and patient outcomes, as well as providing a new option to approximately 25 percent of patients currently ineligible for existing therapy. Ozureprubart complements GSK’s extensive commercial footprint and prescriber base in allergy.

Data from the phase-(IIb) trial (prestIgE) assessing use of ozureprubart as monotherapy is expected in 2027, with phase-III trials to be focused on both at-risk adult and paediatric populations.

Kaivan Khavandi, SVP, R&D Head Respiratory, Immunology and Inflammation, and Head, GSK Translational and Development Sciences, GSK, said, “Ozureprubart is a promising asset that complements our expanding RI&I pipeline. Food allergies continue to place a heavy burden on patients and their families, and we are committed to progressing this potential best-in-class monoclonal antibody to deliver longer?lasting protection.”

The total cash consideration for this acquisition amounts to an approximate aggregate equity value of USD 2.2 billion. Net of cash acquired, GSK’s upfront investment is approximately USD 1.9 billion.

The transaction gives GSK the global rights to the ozureprubart programme, excluding mainland China, Macau, Taiwan and Hong Kong. GSK will also be responsible for success-based milestone and royalty payments for ozureprubart owed to RAPT’s partner, Shanghai Jeyou Pharmaceutical.