GSK has agreed to acquire US biotech company RAPT Therapeutics in a deal valued at approximately 2.2 billion US dollars, strengthening its position in immunology and signalling a major push into the emerging food allergy treatment market.
The acquisition centres on RAPT Therapeutics’ experimental drug portfolio, including a lead programme designed to treat food allergies by modulating immune responses rather than simply managing allergic reactions. If successful, the approach could mark a significant shift in how food allergies are treated.
Why food allergy has become a strategic priority
Food allergies affect millions of people worldwide, with prevalence rising steadily, particularly among children. Current management options remain limited and largely focus on allergen avoidance, emergency intervention with adrenaline and, in some cases, oral desensitisation programmes. These approaches can be burdensome and do not eliminate the underlying risk.
RAPT Therapeutics has been developing immune targeted therapies aimed at reducing allergic sensitivity by intervening in inflammatory pathways involved in allergic reactions. The goal is to lower the likelihood and severity of reactions rather than requiring lifelong vigilance.
Strategic fit within GSK’s immunology ambitions
GSK has identified immunology as a central pillar of its long term growth strategy, alongside vaccines and infectious diseases. In recent years, the company has prioritised assets that target core immune mechanisms with potential application across multiple conditions.
By acquiring RAPT Therapeutics, GSK gains access to both a clinical stage food allergy programme and a broader platform focused on immune signalling pathways. Analysts say this could complement GSK’s existing work in asthma, inflammatory diseases and immune mediated disorders.
A healthcare analyst at Jefferies noted that
“this deal fits squarely with GSK’s strategy of selectively acquiring differentiated immunology assets where the biology is well understood but the clinical opportunity remains underdeveloped.”
Clinical stage and development risk
RAPT Therapeutics’ lead food allergy drug remains in clinical trials, with ongoing studies assessing safety, tolerability and early signs of efficacy. The programme has not yet entered late stage testing, meaning clinical, regulatory and commercial risks remain.
As with many biotech acquisitions, GSK is betting on its ability to scale development, navigate regulatory pathways and generate robust evidence of benefit. The company’s global development infrastructure and regulatory experience may accelerate progress compared with RAPT operating independently.
However, competition in food allergy treatment is increasing. Other approaches, including biologics, oral immunotherapy and immune tolerance strategies, are also advancing through clinical pipelines.
Potential impact for patients
If the drug proves effective, it could significantly change life for people living with food allergies. Rather than strict avoidance and constant risk of accidental exposure, patients could experience improved tolerance and reduced anxiety around daily activities.
Patient advocacy groups have welcomed increased investment in food allergy research. A spokesperson for a UK allergy charity said that
“serious investment from major pharmaceutical companies is essential if we are to move beyond avoidance as the main strategy for managing food allergies.”
Broader implications for the pharma sector
The acquisition highlights continued appetite among large pharmaceutical companies for immunology focused biotech deals, particularly in areas that affect quality of life but have historically lacked therapeutic innovation.
Food allergy is increasingly viewed as part of a broader immune dysfunction landscape, overlapping with asthma, eczema and other allergic conditions. That convergence may make it an attractive target for companies seeking therapies with multiple indications.
Healthcare analyst commentary:
“GSK is clearly prioritising immunology platforms that can scale across multiple diseases rather than single indication assets.”
Outlook
GSK’s 2.2 billion dollar bid for RAPT Therapeutics represents a bold move into a challenging but potentially transformative area of medicine. While the success of the acquisition will depend on clinical outcomes, the scale of the investment underscores growing confidence that immune targeted therapies can fundamentally change how food allergies are treated.
As trials progress, attention will focus on whether the drug can deliver meaningful, durable benefit and whether food allergy will emerge as the next major frontier in immunology.
