Deal delivers global rights to experimental food allergy therapy ozureprubart as GSK pursues growth under new CEO Luke Miels.
Britain’s GSK announced it will acquire RAPT Therapeutics for $2.2 billion, marking the first major acquisition under newly appointed CEO Luke Miels. The deal adds global rights to RAPT’s experimental food allergy treatment ozureprubart, positioning it as a strategic expansion of GSK’s respiratory and immunology portfolio as the company looks to offset looming revenue pressure from patent expirations.
Under the terms, GSK will pay $58 per share for RAPT, including an upfront investment of $1.9 billion. The acquisition provides GSK global rights to ozureprubart excluding mainland China, Macau, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Investors quickly responded to the announcement, sending RAPT shares sharply higher in premarket trading, while GSK’s shares dipped modestly as the market assessed the price and strategic impact.
Ozureprubart is designed to reduce inflammation triggered by allergic reactions by targeting an antibody involved in the immune response. Importantly, the therapy may offer less frequent dosing than current standards of care, a potential advantage in a market where convenience, compliance, and safety are critical factors. GSK’s Chief Scientific Officer Tony Wood said the acquisition aligns with the company’s strategy of pursuing assets aimed at validated targets with clear unmet medical needs.
The acquisition comes as GSK navigates a shifting global landscape, including concerns around U.S. tariffs, while seeking new growth drivers to meet its long-term goals. Investors are closely watching Miels’ leadership as the company targets more than £40 billion ($54 billion) in annual revenue by 2031.
In a separate development, GSK also announced that Japan’s Shionogi will increase its stake in ViiV Healthcare, following Pfizer’s exit from the HIV-focused joint venture. GSK will retain its majority 78.3% stake and receive a $250 million special dividend as ViiV cancels Pfizer’s shares.
Together, the moves signal a more aggressive, pipeline-focused strategy as GSK positions itself for the next decade of growth.
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