GSK has agreed to acquire 35Pharma, a Canadian biotechnology company specializing in drugs for heart and lung diseases, in a deal valued at approximately $950 million.
The acquisition includes HS235, 35Pharma’s lead drug candidate, which has completed phase I clinical trials. Further studies are planned to assess its effects on patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and pulmonary hypertension due to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
Pulmonary hypertension is a progressive and life-shortening disease affecting approximately 82 million people worldwide. It is characterized by high blood pressure in the lungs and can lead to heart failure.
According to a person familiar with GSK’s thinking, HS235 has the potential to be a “multi-blockbuster” drug and could be available to patients in the early 2030s. The drug is designed to target the activin receptor signalling pathway.
HS235 may offer advantages over existing treatments, such as Merck’s Winrevair, by potentially reducing the risk of bleeding and promoting weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity. This could be particularly beneficial for patients with obesity and insulin resistance.
GSK anticipates a growing market for pulmonary hypertension therapies, projected to reach $18 billion by 2032, with activin signalling inhibitors expected to comprise 50% of that market.
The company too faces upcoming patent expirations on its HIV medicine dolutegravir between 2028 and 2030, which could impact revenues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS235?
HS235 is 35Pharma’s lead drug candidate, a potential best-in-class activin signalling inhibitor currently in clinical development for the treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases, including pulmonary arterial hypertension and pulmonary hypertension due to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
How much is GSK paying for 35Pharma?
GSK has agreed to pay $950 million in cash for 35Pharma.
What is pulmonary hypertension?
Pulmonary hypertension is a progressive, life-shortening disease characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, affecting approximately 82 million people worldwide.
As GSK integrates 35Pharma and advances HS235 through clinical trials, will this acquisition prove to be a pivotal step in addressing the unmet needs of patients with pulmonary hypertension?
