GSK completes $2.2B acquisition of RAPT Therapeutics (announced Jan 20, 2026), gaining ozureprubart a phase IIb anti-IgE therapy for food allergies with 12-week dosing potential. Phase III data eyed for adults & kids amid $33B US burden.
Written By: Katherashala Dharan Kumar, PharmD
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
GSK plc has finalized its acquisition of RAPT Therapeutics, a California-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in immunology therapies for inflammatory diseases. This acquisition was first announced on January 20, 2026, the deal, valued at approximately $2.2 billion in total cash consideration (net upfront investment of $1.9 billion after cash acquired), grants GSK global rights to RAPT’s lead asset, ozureprubart excluding mainland China, Macau, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
Ozureprubart is a long-acting anti-IgE monoclonal antibody in phase IIb development for preventing food allergen reactions. IgE drives about 94% of severe food allergies, triggering harmful immune responses. Unlike current anti-IgE treatments requiring injections every 2-4 weeks which burden many pediatric patients ozureprubart could enable dosing every 12 weeks. This promises better compliance, especially for the 25% of patients ineligible for existing therapies and aligns with GSK’s strong allergy market presence.
Key trial milestones include phase IIb (prestIgE) monotherapy data expected in 2027, followed by phase III studies targeting at-risk adults and children.
Kaivan Khavandi, SVP and R&D Head of Respiratory, Immunology & Inflammation at GSK, highlighted the asset’s potential: “Ozureprubart complements our expanding RI&I pipeline. Food allergies burden patients and families, and we’re committed to advancing this best-in-class antibody for longer-lasting protection.”
Food allergies affect over 17 million diagnosed individuals in the US, with 1.3 million experiencing severe reactions 65% in children and adolescents. This drives 3 million annual emergency visits and $33 billion in family costs (2024 estimate), often escalating to anaphylaxis and limiting daily life.
GSK will handle success-based milestones and royalties owed to RAPT’s partner, Shanghai Jeyou Pharmaceutical.
References
GSK completes acquisition of RAPT Therapeutics, March 3, 2026. https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/gsk-completes-acquisition-of-rapt-therapeutics/
About Writer
Katherashala Dharan Kumar, PharmD
A dedicated Clinical Researcher with expertise in medical and scientific writing clinical trials, drug safety, and healthcare innovation. Actively contributes to research publications and clinical documentation focused on improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practices and ethical research standards. Believe that every complex data point has a human story waiting to be told. Focusing on providing actionable insights for clinical research.