GSK has made a significant move by acquiring US biotech firm RAPT Therapeutics. This marks the first major deal under the new leadership of CEO Luke Miels, who aims to speed up the development of important treatments, especially in areas like oncology and immunology.
RAPT is known for a promising therapy called ozureprubart. This treatment is currently in Phase 2b testing and could change the way food allergies are addressed. It offers a potential alternative to Xolair, an established anti-IgE drug from Genentech and Novartis. While Xolair is administered every two to four weeks, ozureprubart could be given via injection once every 12 weeks. This difference could be especially appealing for families managing food allergies, which primarily affect children.
Tony Wood, GSK’s chief scientific officer, expressed optimism, stating that ozureprubart could bring long-lasting protection to those suffering from food allergies. The need is clear: in the U.S. alone, about 1.3 million people face severe reactions from food allergies. Results from the ongoing trials are expected by 2027, paving the way for possible Phase 3 studies focused on both adults and children.
GSK is investing $1.9 billion to acquire RAPT, giving it global rights to ozureprubart, excluding a few regions in Asia. The drug’s development began in China and it’s also being studied for conditions like chronic spontaneous urticaria and asthma.
The acquisition comes amidst a wider trend in the pharmaceutical sector, where several companies are actively pursuing deals to enhance their pipelines. Experts suggest that GSK is not just looking to expand its offerings but is also addressing clear medical needs in the market.
With the growing awareness and prevalence of food allergies, this acquisition might not just be a business strategy for GSK, but also a vital step in improving many lives.
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