Global pharmaceutical giant GSK has announced its acquisition of Canadian biotech firm 35Pharma for $950 million in cash. This strategic move aims to significantly expand GSK’s portfolio of treatments for lung diseases, with a particular focus on pulmonary hypertension. The acquisition centers on 35Pharma’s promising experimental drug, HS235, which is poised to enter clinical trials for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
The acquisition of 35Pharma brings GSK a novel therapeutic candidate, HS235, which has already completed a Phase 1 study. This drug targets the activin receptor signaling pathway, similar to Merck & Co.’s successful PAH drug Winrevair. However, GSK is optimistic that HS235 may offer a competitive edge by demonstrating potential benefits beyond blood pressure reduction, including a lower risk of bleeding, improved insulin sensitivity, and weight management while preserving lean muscle mass. These potential advantages stem from HS235’s design, which aims for enhanced selectivity to minimize binding to ligands associated with adverse events.
This acquisition underscores GSK’s commitment to strengthening its respiratory and immunology (RI&I) portfolio. GSK Chief Scientific Officer Tony Wood highlighted that HS235’s potential protective effects on vascular function, coupled with metabolic and inflammatory benefits, open new development opportunities. The drug could address broader drivers of chronic diseases affecting the lungs, liver, and kidneys. The deal follows GSK’s recent acquisition of Rapt Therapeutics and its anti-IgE antibody, signaling an active period of strategic business development aimed at accelerating the company’s pipeline and creating value.
Pulmonary hypertension, particularly PAH, has become a significant focus for pharmaceutical companies. The market has seen notable successes, such as Merck’s Winrevair, which achieved substantial sales. GSK’s investment in HS235 indicates a belief in the potential of this drug to capture a significant share of this growing market, offering a potentially improved therapeutic option for patients who still have unmet needs despite current treatment regimens.