GSK completes $950M acquisition of 35Pharma, adding HS235, a selective activin pathway inhibitor targeting safety gaps in pulmonary hypertension treatment.
Written By: Pharmacally Medical News Desk
GSK plc has completed its previously announced acquisition of 35Pharma Inc., bringing full ownership of the clinical-stage biotech and its lead asset HS235. The $950 million transaction marks a strategic step in expanding GSK’s respiratory, immunology, and inflammation (RI&I) pipeline.
The acquisition centers on HS235, a novel protein-based therapeutic targeting the activin receptor signalling pathway, a clinically validated mechanism in pulmonary hypertension (PH).
HS235 Targets Safety Gaps in PH Treatment
HS235 is engineered with enhanced selectivity, aiming to reduce interaction with ligands such as BMP9 and BMP10 that are linked to adverse events. This design could lower the risk of bleeding, pericardial effusion, and haemoglobin elevation limitations that continue to affect existing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) therapies.
Beyond vascular effects, early clinical observations suggest potential metabolic benefits, including fat-selective weight loss, preservation of lean mass, and improved insulin sensitivity. These features could be clinically relevant given the high prevalence of metabolic dysfunction among PH patients.
Pipeline Expansion Across Fibrotic and Metabolic Axes
According to Kaivan Khavandi, SVP and Head of R&D for Respiratory, Immunology & Inflammation at GSK, HS235 strengthens the company’s focus on inflammatory and fibrotic drivers of chronic disease.
The asset complements GSK’s broader strategy of targeting shared disease pathways across organ systems, including lung, liver, and kidney, while integrating metabolic components into therapeutic development.
Clinical Development Set to Advance
Proof-of-concept studies for HS235 are expected to begin shortly in two major forms of pulmonary hypertension: pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and PH associated with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (PH-HFpEF).
Pulmonary hypertension remains a high-burden disease affecting an estimated 82 million people globally, with limited treatment options and a five-year survival rate of approximately 50%.
Market Opportunity in Activin Signalling
The global pulmonary hypertension therapeutics market is projected to reach $18 billion by 2032, with activin signalling inhibitors expected to account for a significant share. By securing HS235, GSK positions itself within a growing class of targeted therapies that could redefine treatment standards in PH.
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