GSK Completes Acquisition of 35Pharma for $950 Mn to Strengthen Biologics Pipeline

Under the terms of the agreement, GSK has acquired 100% of the equity of 35Pharma

Global pharma giant GSK has announced the acquisition of 35Pharma, in a deal valued at approximately $950 million.

35 Pharma is a Canada-based, private, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on the development of novel protein-based therapeutics.

The new acquisition is aimed at strengthening GSK’s pipeline of biologics and innovative therapeutics, particularly in areas requiring advanced protein engineering and drug development capabilities.

Under the terms of the agreement, GSK has acquired 100% of the equity of 35Pharma for $950 million.

The acquisition plans also include HS235, a potential best-in-class molecule for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PH). The therapy targets the activin receptor signalling pathway, a clinically validated target in PH.

It has been designed with enhanced selectivity, offering the potential to reduce risks such as bleeding, pericardial effusion, and dose-limiting increases in haemoglobin, limitations seen in current pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) treatments.

Early clinical findings have demonstrated potential metabolic benefits which, if confirmed in future trials, are expected to provide additional clinical and commercial value, particularly given the prevalence of obesity and insulin resistance in PH patients.

The proof-of-concept trials are expected to begin soon in two forms of pulmonary hypertension, including PAH and pulmonary hypertension associated with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (PH-HFpEF).

The addition of HS235 is expected to strengthen GSK’s RI&I portfolio, which focuses on inflammatory and fibrotic drivers of chronic disease.

Further, by integrating 35Pharma’s flagship solution and capabilities, GSK aims to accelerate the development of novel therapies and expand its footprint in the global biopharmaceutical market.

Commenting on the new development, Kaivan Khavandi, SVP, R&D Head Respiratory, Immunology & Inflammation (RI&I), and Head of Translational & Development Sciences, GSK, said, “HS235 is an important addition to our RI&I pipeline, which continues to expand across inflammatory and fibrotic drivers underlying multiple chronic diseases.”

“With approximately 82 million patients currently living with PH in its various forms, high burden of morbidity associated with the disease and poor associated prognosis, with low five-year survival rates, we are committed to advancing this novel differentiated option to expand the limited treatments currently available,” he added.

The new development is built on the company’s earlier announcement this year regarding its plans to acquire 35Pharma.

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