GSK to buy food allergy drug maker RAPT in $2.2bn deal

Core Viewpoint - GSK has announced a $2.2 billion acquisition of RAPT Therapeutics, focusing on a drug for severe food allergies, marking a significant move under new CEO Luke Miels [1][7]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - GSK is acquiring RAPT Therapeutics for $58 per share, totaling $2.2 billion, which represents a 63% increase in RAPT's share price to $57.40 in pre-market trading [7]. - The acquisition grants GSK global rights to ozureprubart, except in mainland China, Macau, Taiwan, and Hong Kong [7]. Group 2: Product Information - RAPT Therapeutics is developing ozureprubart (Ozu), a long-acting treatment for food allergies currently in mid-stage clinical trials in the US [2]. - Ozu targets IgE, a key factor in food allergy reactions, and is being tested on patients with allergies to peanuts, milk, eggs, cashews, and walnuts [3]. Group 3: Market Potential - If successful, Ozu could be launched in 2031 and is projected to achieve annual sales of at least $1 billion, contributing to GSK's goal of £40 billion in total revenues by that year [3]. - Current food allergy treatments require frequent injections, while Ozu is administered every 12 weeks, potentially benefiting the 25% of patients ineligible for existing therapies [4]. Group 4: Market Context - In the US, over 17 million people have food allergies, with more than 1.3 million experiencing severe reactions, leading to over 3 million emergency care visits annually [5]. - In the UK, approximately 6% of adults, or 2.4 million people, have food allergies, with peanuts and tree nuts being the most common allergens [6].