In a significant move, the UK’s second-largest pharmaceutical company, GSK, has announced a £2.2 billion acquisition of the California-based biotech firm RAPT Therapeutics. The deal aims to bolster GSK’s pipeline with a promising new treatment for severe food allergies, including those to nuts, milk, and eggs.
The acquisition, the first major deal under the leadership of GSK’s new CEO, Luke Miels, who took over from Emma Walmsley at the start of 2026, represents a strategic shift for the London-based company. RAPT Therapeutics is developing a long-acting treatment called ozureprubart (Ozu), which is currently in mid-stage clinical trials in the US.
Ozu is designed to bind and neutralise IgE, a key driver of food allergy reactions. The drug is being tested on individuals with allergies to peanuts, milk, eggs, cashews, and walnuts, with data from the trials expected next year. If successful, late-stage studies focusing on children and adults at risk will commence in the second half of 2027, potentially leading to a launch in 2031.
GSK is targeting total revenues of £40 billion by 2031, and the company sees Ozu as a potential “blockbuster” drug, with annual sales of at least £1 billion. Current treatments for food allergies often require frequent injections, which can be a significant burden, especially for paediatric patients. In contrast, Ozu is administered every 12 weeks, potentially offering a more convenient option for the 25% of patients who are currently ineligible for existing therapies.
Tony Wood, GSK’s Chief Scientific Officer, emphasised the significance of the acquisition, stating, “The addition of ozureprubart brings another promising new, potential best-in-class treatment to GSK’s pipeline. Food allergies cause severe health impacts to patients.”
The deal will give GSK the global rights to ozureprubart, excluding mainland China, Macau, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. RAPT’s Nasdaq-listed shares jumped by 63% to $57.40 in pre-market trading, while GSK’s shares dropped by 1.5% as investors assessed the financial implications of the acquisition.
The move underscores GSK’s commitment to addressing the growing burden of food allergies, which affect millions of people worldwide, leading to severe reactions and emergency care visits. With this acquisition, the company aims to revolutionise the treatment landscape and provide a much-needed solution for those living with these debilitating conditions.
