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

The Guardian - World NewsEN 2 min read 100% complete by Julia KolleweJanuary 20, 2026 at 12:25 PM

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medium article 2 min

GSK, under its new CEO Luke Miels, is acquiring RAPT Therapeutics for $2.2 billion to gain access to ozureprubart (Ozu), a mid-stage drug targeting severe food allergies. Ozu, administered every 12 weeks, aims to neutralize IgE, a key driver of allergic reactions, and could be a potential alternative to existing treatments requiring more frequent injections. Clinical trials are ongoing, with late-stage studies planned for 2027 and a potential launch in 2031. GSK anticipates Ozu could become a "blockbuster" drug, contributing to its target revenue of £40 billion by 2031. The acquisition excludes rights to Ozu in mainland China, Macau, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

China 30% London 40% Novartis 40% Tony Wood 50% United States ×250% Emma Walmsley 50% United Kingdom 60% Luke Miels 70% RAPT Therapeutics ×290% GSK ×7100%

Keywords

food allergies 100% gsk 90% drug acquisition 80% ozureprubart 70% rapt therapeutics 70% clinical trials 60% ige 60% blockbuster drug 50% immunologic diseases 50% drug development 40%