In a bold move to strengthen its respiratory and cardiopulmonary portfolio, GSK agreed to acquire Canadian biotech 35Pharma Inc. for $950 million in cash. The acquisition could transform treatment options for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and other lung-related diseases.
The London-based pharmaceutical company stated that the deal grants it full ownership of 35Pharma, a clinical-stage firm developing novel protein therapies. Their lead experimental drug, HS235, recently completed phase I trials in healthy volunteers.
HS235 targets pulmonary arterial hypertension and pulmonary hypertension caused by heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. It modulates activin receptor signalling, a validated therapeutic mechanism for PAH. Millions of patients may benefit from its potential to reduce high blood pressure in the lungs safely.
GSK will acquire 100% of 35Pharma, subject to standard regulatory approvals in the United States and Canada, including filings under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and Canada’s Competition Act. These clearances are expected to finalize smoothly, given both companies’ regulatory track records.
According to the announcement, pulmonary arterial hypertension and other pulmonary hypertension forms affect roughly 82 million people worldwide. The increasing prevalence of pulmonary arterial hypertension and the rising approvals of PAH drugs drive PAH market growth. For instance, in the US, about 500-1000 people are newly diagnosed with PAH each year. The global PH therapy market is projected to reach an estimated $18 billion by 2032, with activin signalling inhibitors like HS235 expected to capture about half of this growth.
The acquisition carries major significance for PAH patients because current therapies often cause bleeding and provide limited metabolic benefits. HS235’s engineered selectivity reduces off-target binding, improving safety for patients who take anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs.
Early clinical observations also suggest HS235 may deliver metabolic advantages. These include fat-selective weight loss, lean muscle preservation, and improved insulin sensitivity. Such effects are particularly important for PAH patients who frequently struggle with obesity and metabolic disorders.
Tony Wood, GSK’s Chief Scientific Officer, expressed excitement about HS235. He stated that the drug could deliver distinct benefits for underserved PAH patients. Wood emphasized that its vascular and metabolic effects may allow the company to treat chronic diseases affecting the lung, liver, and kidney simultaneously.
Ilia Tikhomirov, CEO of 35Pharma, highlighted the shared mission of improving outcomes for pulmonary arterial hypertension. He explained that joining GSK accelerates HS235’s development and could bring new treatment hope to patients globally.
Industry experts note this acquisition aligns with GSK’s strategic pivot under new leadership. The company prioritizes deals that strengthen its pipeline in areas of high unmet need. The 35Pharma purchase follows GSK’s acquisition of RAPT Therapeutics and reinforces focus on respiratory, immunology, and inflammation portfolios.
Financial analysts add that HS235 may surpass existing PAH therapies. Its unique mechanism and clinical profile address safety and metabolic limitations that many current drugs present. This advantage could improve long-term outcomes for patients lacking effective treatment options.
Market studies suggest that strategic investments in PAH and related diseases could yield lasting value for biopharmaceutical companies. As global populations age and metabolic disorders rise, demand for innovative therapies grows. HS235, now in GSK’s pipeline, may reach patients in the early 2030s if ongoing trials succeed.
Overall, GSK’s acquisition of 35Pharma demonstrates a clear commitment to tackling complex cardiopulmonary conditions. The deal expands treatment possibilities for pulmonary arterial hypertension, while advancing research in chronic lung and heart diseases.
