GSK plc has completed its previously announced acquisition of RAPT Therapeutics, a California-based clinical-stage biotech focused on therapies for inflammatory and immunologic diseases.
The deal strengthens GSK’s growing respiratory, immunology, and inflammation pipeline and gives the company global rights to a promising experimental therapy for food allergies.
The total cash consideration for the acquisition is approximately $2.2 billion, with GSK’s net upfront investment estimated at about $1.9 billion after accounting for cash acquired.
The acquisition centers on Ozureprubart, a long-acting anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) monoclonal antibody currently in Phase IIb clinical development.
The therapy is being developed to provide prophylactic protection against food allergens.
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a clinically validated target involved in triggering allergic immune responses.
Notably:
Current anti-IgE therapies typically require injections every two to four weeks.
This frequent dosing can be particularly difficult for patients with food allergies, many of whom are children.
Ozureprubart could change that. The drug’s clinical profile suggests potential dosing every 12 weeks, offering:
It could also provide a treatment option for roughly 25% of patients who are currently ineligible for existing anti-IgE therapies.
The therapy is currently being evaluated in a Phase IIb clinical study called prestIgE.
Key development milestones include:
If successful, the therapy could become a best-in-class treatment for food allergy prevention.
According to Kaivan Khavandi, Senior Vice President and R&D Head for Respiratory, Immunology and Inflammation at GSK plc, the asset fits directly into the company’s long-term strategy.
He noted that food allergies continue to place a major burden on patients and their families, and GSK aims to advance ozureprubart as a therapy offering longer-lasting protection against allergic reactions.
The therapy also complements GSK’s existing commercial presence and physician network in allergy treatment.
Through the acquisition, GSK plc gains global rights to the ozureprubart program, with some regional exceptions.
The rights exclude:
GSK will also be responsible for milestone and royalty payments owed to Shanghai Jeyou Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., RAPT’s development partner.
Food allergies represent a major and growing public health challenge.
In the United States alone:
Children and adolescents represent around 65% of severe cases.
Each year, food allergies lead to:
Severe reactions can escalate rapidly into Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical care.
Beyond the clinical burden, food allergies also carry significant economic costs. In 2024, food allergies were estimated to cost U.S. families about $33 billion annually.
These costs stem from:
This economic pressure highlights the urgent need for more durable and effective therapies.
With the acquisition of RAPT Therapeutics, GSK plc expands its footprint in immunology-driven therapies. If Ozureprubart succeeds in late-stage trials, it could provide a longer-acting treatment option for food allergy patients, particularly children who currently face frequent injections and limited therapeutic choices.
The move signals GSK’s continued focus on innovative biologics targeting immune pathways behind chronic and allergic diseases.