GSK has announced a $2.2 billion deal to acquire RAPT Therapeutics, a biotech firm developing a potential game-changer for food allergy sufferers. The London-based pharmaceutical giant is betting big on ozureprubart, an innovative treatment that could protect against severe food allergies.
The US-based biotech company's lead therapy, ozureprubart (Ozu), is being tested in mid-stage clinical trials in the United States. Designed to bind to and neutralize IgE, an underlying driver of food allergy reactions, Ozu has shown promise in treating a range of allergies, including peanut, milk, egg, cashew, and walnut.
If successful, ozureprubart could become a blockbuster hit for GSK, with annual sales of at least $1 billion. Currently, treatment options are limited, with patients often required to receive injections every two to four weeks, which can be a significant burden, especially for children. Ozu offers an alternative, providing treatment every 12 weeks.
The US has over 17 million people diagnosed with food allergies, and severe reactions result in millions of hospital visits each year. In the UK, around 2.4 million adults have a food allergy, with peanuts and tree nuts being the most likely cause of an allergic reaction.
GSK's new CEO, Luke Miels, has announced several high-profile deals since taking the reins earlier this year. This latest acquisition marks a significant milestone under his leadership.
The deal sees GSK paying RAPT shareholders $58 per share, sending shares soaring by 63% in pre-market trading. The acquisition gives GSK global rights to ozureprubart, excluding mainland China, Macau, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
The US-based biotech company's lead therapy, ozureprubart (Ozu), is being tested in mid-stage clinical trials in the United States. Designed to bind to and neutralize IgE, an underlying driver of food allergy reactions, Ozu has shown promise in treating a range of allergies, including peanut, milk, egg, cashew, and walnut.
If successful, ozureprubart could become a blockbuster hit for GSK, with annual sales of at least $1 billion. Currently, treatment options are limited, with patients often required to receive injections every two to four weeks, which can be a significant burden, especially for children. Ozu offers an alternative, providing treatment every 12 weeks.
The US has over 17 million people diagnosed with food allergies, and severe reactions result in millions of hospital visits each year. In the UK, around 2.4 million adults have a food allergy, with peanuts and tree nuts being the most likely cause of an allergic reaction.
GSK's new CEO, Luke Miels, has announced several high-profile deals since taking the reins earlier this year. This latest acquisition marks a significant milestone under his leadership.
The deal sees GSK paying RAPT shareholders $58 per share, sending shares soaring by 63% in pre-market trading. The acquisition gives GSK global rights to ozureprubart, excluding mainland China, Macau, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
I'm sure there are so many people out there who've had to deal with the anxiety of not knowing when they'll have an allergic reaction, or worse, having to get treated in an emergency. This new treatment option could be a total game-changer for them 
And it's amazing that GSK is investing big time in this tech, especially since current treatments can be pretty tough on people (especially kids). It's like they're saying "we see you, and we want to help" 
Sending all the positive vibes to RAPT Therapeutics, and I hope ozureprubart becomes a lifesaver for so many people! 
my little nephew has a severe nut allergy and it's so tough to travel or eat out with him... this ozureprubart treatment could literally change lives 
that's crazy! i'm so glad they're trying to make something that could help ppl with food allergies tho, it's such a big deal for them. i feel bad for kids who have to get shots every two weeks 
btw, did u know that peanuts and tree nuts are the most common allergens in the UK? 
Like, can you imagine having a treatment that's every 12 weeks instead of injecting every two to four weeks? That would be LIFE.CHANGING for people with food allergies, especially kids! 
every two to four weeks can be a huge hassle for kids and adults alike 
. And now GSK's throwing $2.2 billion at RAPT Therapeutics to get their hands on ozureprubart? That's some serious cash 
. If it really works, we're talking annual sales of at least $1 billion 
. I'm all for innovation and pushing the boundaries of medicine, but come on - this is some next-level stuff 
!