By VETTAPHARMA reporter: GSK plc has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire RAPT Therapeutics, a California-based, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for inflammatory and immunologic diseases. The acquisition centers on Ozureprubart, a potentially best-in-class anti-IgE antibody, in development for prophylactic protection against food allergens. Ozureprubart is currently in Phase IIb development for the prophylactic protection against food allergens.
Ozureprubart targets IgE, a clinically validated antibody responsible for the majority of severe food allergy reactions. The current standard of care requires injections every two to four weeks, posing a significant burden, especially for pediatric patients. Ozureprubart, however, offers the potential for dosing every 12 weeks, potentially improving treatment adherence and outcomes for patients, including those currently ineligible for existing therapies.
Under the terms of the agreement, GSK will pay $58.00 per share in cash, valuing RAPT Therapeutics at approximately $2.2 billion. GSK’s net upfront investment is estimated at $1.9 billion after adjusting for cash acquired. The deal grants GSK global rights to Ozureprubart, excluding mainland China, Macau, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, and includes future success-based milestone and royalty payments to RAPT’s partner, Shanghai Jeyou Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
The transaction will proceed through a tender offer followed by a second-step merger under Delaware law and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions. Evercore and J.P. Morgan Securities are acting as financial advisors to GSK and RAPT, respectively.
GSK highlighted the increasing unmet need in food allergies, with millions of people affected annually in the United States alone. Ozureprubart is positioned to complement GSK’s extensive commercial footprint in allergy and immunology. Phase III trials are planned to further evaluate the therapy in both adult and pediatric populations currently at risk of severe allergic reactions.
Source Credit:
- GSK plc. (2026, January 20). GSK enters agreement to acquire RAPT Therapeutics. GSK. Click here
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