GSK has announced that it has completed its acquisition of 35Pharma for $950m.
35Pharma is a Canadian clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specialising in the development of novel protein-based therapeutics. The acquisition includes HS235, a potential best-in-class molecule for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PH) — a market forecast to reach $18bn by 2032.
HS235 features enhanced selectivity, which may lower the risks of bleeding, pericardial effusion and significant increases in haemoglobin levels, addressing limitations in current pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) treatments.
It also shows potential metabolic benefits, such as targeted weight loss, preservation of lean mass and improved insulin sensitivity.
If confirmed in future trials, HS235 could offer significant clinical and commercial value, especially given the prevalence of obesity and insulin resistance in the broader pulmonary hypertension population.
Kaivan Khavandi, SVP, R&D Head Respiratory, Immunology & Inflammation (RI&I) and Head of Translational & Development Sciences, GSK, said: "HS235 is an important addition to our RI&I pipeline, which continues to expand across inflammatory and fibrotic drivers underlying multiple chronic diseases."
With approximately 82 million patients currently living with PH in its various forms, a high burden of morbidity associated with the disease and poor associated prognosis, with low five-year survival rates, we are committed to advancing this novel, differentiated option to expand the limited treatments currently available.
GSK's statement indicates that HS235 enhances its existing RI&I portfolio by contributing to a pipeline focused on the inflammatory and fibrotic causes of chronic diseases.
Additionally, it builds upon an expanding array of mechanisms that may address metabolic and vascular aspects of lung, liver and kidney diseases.
Proof-of-concept trials are expected to begin soon for two types of pulmonary hypertension: pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension due to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (PH-HFpEF).