REG - GSK PLC - GSK completes acquisition of RAPT Therapeutics

GSKAnnouncement

03/03/2026 15:00

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RNS Number : 1759V  GSK PLC  03 March 2026

Issued: 3 March 2026, London UK

 

GSK completes acquisition of RAPT Therapeutics

 

 

GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) today announced the completion of its previously
announced
(https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/gsk-enters-agreement-to-acquire-rapt-therapeutics/)
acquisition of RAPT Therapeutics, a California-based, clinical-stage
biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing novel therapies for patients
living with inflammatory and immunologic diseases.

 

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.(5)

 

About RAPT Therapeutics

RAPT Therapeutics is a clinical-stage immunology-based biopharmaceutical
company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing novel therapies
for patients living with inflammatory and immunologic diseases. Utilizing deep
and proprietary expertise in immunology, RAPT develops novel molecules that
are designed to modulate the critical immune responses underlying these
diseases.

 

About GSK

GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology,
and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more at gsk.com.

 

 GSK enquiries
 Media:               Tim Foley          +44 (0) 20 8047 5502  (London)
                      Sarah Clements     +44 (0) 20 8047 5502  (London)
                      Kathleen Quinn     +1 202 603 5003       (Washington DC)
                      Lyndsay Meyer      +1 202 302 4595       (Washington DC)

 Investor Relations:  Constantin Fest    +44 (0) 7831 826525   (London)
                      James Dodwell      +44 (0) 20 8047 2406  (London)
                      Mick Readey        +44 (0) 7990 339653   (London)
                      Steph Mountifield  +44 (0) 7796 707505   (London)
                      Jeff McLaughlin    +1 215 751 7002       (Philadelphia)
                      Frannie DeFranco   +1 215 751 3126       (Philadelphia)

 

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements

GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made
by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and
uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those
projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described in
the "Risk Factors" section in GSK's Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2024, and
GSK's Q4 Results for 2025.

 

Registered in England & Wales:

No. 3888792

 

Registered Office:

79 New Oxford Street

London

WC1A 1DG

 

References

1. GSK Epi assessment based on MarketScan and Optum claims database

2. Warren CM, Aktas ON, Manalo LJ, Bartell TR, Gupta RS. The epidemiology of
multifood allergy in the United States: a population-based study. Ann Allergy
Asthma Immunol. 2023;130(5):637-648.e5.

3. US Census Bureau. Age and Sex, American Community Survey, ACS 1-Year
Estimates Subject Tables, Table S0101, 2022. Accessed 9 January, 2026.
https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST1Y2022.S0101.

4. MarketScan's overall prevalence, and Optum's age-stratified (<18; 18+)
and overall prevalence. Severe FA defined as patients with ER/inpatient visit
or under specialist care.

5. FARE Food Allergy Facts and Statistics for the US (April 2024).

 

 

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