GSK has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 35Pharma, a biotechnology company, for USD 950 million in cash. The acquisition centres on 35Pharma's lead asset, HS235, a drug candidate targeting the activin receptor signalling pathway for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). HS235 is designed with enhanced receptor selectivity to potentially reduce the risk of bleeding complications associated with current therapies, addressing a key clinical need as many PAH patients also require anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.

HS235 has completed a Phase I trial in healthy volunteers and is poised to enter clinical studies in PAH patients. The candidate's mechanism is also associated with potential metabolic benefits, including selective fat reduction and improved insulin sensitivity, which could provide additional clinical value in a patient population with a high prevalence of obesity and insulin resistance. The PAH treatment market is projected to reach USD 18 billion by 2032, with activin signalling inhibitors expected to capture a significant portion.

PharmCube's NextBiopharm® database lists a total of three assets under 35Pharma. Click here to request a free trial for NextBiopharm®.