On March 3, 2026 GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) reported the completion of its previously announced acquisition of RAPT Therapeutics, a California-based, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing novel therapies for patients living with inflammatory and immunologic diseases.
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The acquisition includes ozureprubart, a long-acting anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) monoclonal antibody, currently in phase IIb clinical development for prophylactic protection against food allergens. IgE is a clinically validated target and is the only approved systemic therapy shown to protect patients from a harmful allergic and inflammatory immune response. Around 94% of severe food allergies are caused by IgE-mediated reactions.1
Current anti-IgE treatment for food allergy involves injections every 2 to 4 weeks, which can be a significant burden, particularly since most patients are children. Ozureprubart’s clinical profile offers the potential for less frequent dosing of every 12 weeks, supporting improved compliance and patient outcomes, as well as providing a new option to approximately 25% of patients currently ineligible for existing therapy. Ozureprubart complements GSK’s extensive commercial footprint and prescriber base in allergy.
Data from the phase IIb trial (prestIgE) assessing use of ozureprubart as monotherapy is expected in 2027, with phase III trials to be focused on both at-risk adult and paediatric populations.
Kaivan Khavandi, SVP, R&D Head Respiratory, Immunology & Inflammation, and Head of GSK Translational & Development Sciences, GSK said: "Ozureprubart is a promising asset that complements our expanding RI&I pipeline. Food allergies continue to place a heavy burden on patients and their families, and we are committed to progressing this potential best-in-class monoclonal antibody to deliver longer‑lasting protection."
Financial considerations
The total cash consideration for this acquisition amounts to an approximate aggregate equity value of $2.2 billion. Net of cash acquired, GSK’s upfront investment is approximately $1.9 billion.
The transaction gives GSK the global rights to the ozureprubart programme, excluding mainland China, Macau, Taiwan and Hong Kong. GSK will also be responsible for success-based milestone and royalty payments for ozureprubart owed to RAPT’s partner, Shanghai Jeyou Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
About food allergies
In the US, over 17 million people are diagnosed with food allergies, with more than 1.3 million people suffering severe reactions.2,3,4 Notably, 65% of severe food allergy patients are children and adolescents.1 This results in more than 3 million patient visits each year to hospital and emergency care.5 Disease burden is amplified by the frequency and complexity of allergic reactions, which can escalate to anaphylaxis, emergency care and impact a patient’s wellbeing and participation in social activities. Collectively, food allergies cost US families an estimated $33 billion in 2024, underscoring the need for more effective and durable therapies.
(Press release, GlaxoSmithKline, MAR 3, 2026, View Source [SID1234663224])