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GSK PLC on Tuesday announced the $2.2 billion acquisition of RAPT Therapeutics Inc, a California-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on novel therapies for inflammatory and immunologic diseases. The London-based pharmaceuticals firm will pay RAPT shareholders $58.00 per share at closing, which is expected in the first quarter of 2026. Shares in RAPT Therapeutics were up 64% in premarket trading at $57.60 each in New York on Tuesday. Net of cash acquired, GSK’s estimated upfront investment is $1.9 billion. The FTSE 100 listing noted that the acquisition includes ozureprubart, a long-acting anti-immunoglobulin E monoclonal antibody, currently in phase two B clinical development for prophylactic protection against food allergens. Ozureprubart’s clinical profile offers the potential for less frequent dosing of every 12 weeks for food allergens, down from every two to four weeks, GSK explained. The deal grants 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. ‘The addition of ozureprubart brings another promising new, potential best-in-class treatment to GSK’s pipeline,’ said GSK Chief Scientific Officer Tony Wood. Shares in GSK fell 1.2% to 1,795.00 pence each in London on Tuesday. Separately, GSK said it and Japanese pharmaceutical company Shionogi & Co Ltd have agreed changes with New York peer Pfizer Inc for the latter’s 12% interest in ViiV Healthcare. ViiV Healthcare is a global specialised HIV company. Under the terms of the agreement, ViiV Healthcare will issue new shares to Shionogi for $2.13 billion and cancel Pfizer’s holding in ViiV Healthcare. Following Pfizer’s exit, Shionogi will increase its economic interest in ViiV Healthcare to 22%, while GSK will maintain its 78% majority owned economic interest. Pfizer will receive $1.88 billion and GSK will receive a special dividend of $250 million. Pfizer closed down 0.9% at $25.65 in New York on Friday. Copyright 2026 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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