GSK to acquire RAPT Therapeutics for $2.2 billion, gaining rights to ozureprubart, a long-acting anti-IgE therapy in phase IIb for food allergy with potential 12-week dosing
Written By: Pharmacally Medical News Desk
GSK has announced a definitive agreement to acquire RAPT Therapeutics, a California-based clinical stage biotechnology company focused on inflammatory and immunologic diseases. The transaction, valued at approximately $2.2 billion, will give GSK global rights to ozureprubart, a long-acting anti-immunoglobulin E monoclonal antibody currently in phase IIb development for protection against food allergies. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to customary regulatory and shareholder approvals.
Ozureprubart
Ozureprubart targets IgE, a well-established driver of allergic and inflammatory immune responses. IgE-mediated reactions are responsible for around 94% of severe food allergies, making this pathway one of the most clinically validated in allergy treatment. Existing anti-IgE therapies require injections every two to four weeks, which can be challenging for patients, particularly children who represent the majority of those affected. Ozureprubart has been designed for dosing every 12 weeks, a schedule that could reduce treatment burden and improve long-term adherence.
Clinical development pathway
The ongoing phase IIb prestIgE trial is evaluating ozureprubart as monotherapy in individuals with food allergies, with results expected in 2027. If successful, phase III studies will include both adult and pediatric populations at risk of severe allergic reactions. GSK believes the program could also expand treatment access to nearly 25% of patients who are currently ineligible for available anti-IgE therapy.
Tony Wood, Chief Scientific Officer at GSK, said the acquisition adds a potential best-in-class therapy to the company’s immunology portfolio. He emphasized that food allergies impose serious health risks and that less frequent dosing could offer sustained protection for patients.
Brian Wong, President and CEO of RAPT Therapeutics, described the agreement as an opportunity to advance ozureprubart through GSK’s global development and commercialization capabilities, benefiting patients and shareholders alike.
Financial and strategic terms
Under the agreement, GSK will pay $58 per share in cash to RAPT shareholders, representing an equity value of $2.2 billion and an estimated net investment of $1.9 billion after accounting for cash on hand. GSK will obtain worldwide rights to ozureprubart except in mainland China, Macau, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, where rights remain with Shanghai Jeyou Pharmaceutical. The company will also assume responsibility for future milestone and royalty payments linked to that partnership.
Burden of food allergies
Food allergies affect more than 17 million people in the United States, including 1.3 million individuals who experience severe reactions. Children and adolescents account for about 65 percent of severe cases. The condition leads to over three million hospital and emergency visits each year and carries an estimated economic burden of $33 billion annually. Reactions can escalate rapidly to anaphylaxis, limiting social participation and quality of life.
About RAPT Therapeutics
RAPT Therapeutics specializes in immunology-driven drug discovery aimed at modulating critical immune pathways involved in allergic and inflammatory disease. The company’s pipeline is built on proprietary insights into immune regulation, with ozureprubart representing its most advanced asset.
References
GSK enters agreement to acquire RAPT Therapeutics, 20 January 2026, GSK enters agreement to acquire RAPT Therapeutics | GSK
GSK enters agreement to acquire RAPT Therapeutics, 20 January 2026, https://investors.rapt.com/news-releases/news-release-details/gsk-enters-agreement-acquire-rapt-therapeutics