GSK’s $2.2B Allergy Bet Heats Up the Immunology Race

GSK’s acquisition of RAPT sharpens its immunology pipeline and raises the stakes in next-generation allergy treatments

3 Feb 2026

A quiet corner of biotech just got a lot louder.

GSK’s agreement to buy RAPT Therapeutics for about $2.2 billion is more than a routine pipeline pickup. It signals that the race to redefine allergy treatment is accelerating and that big pharma is willing to pay up for promising science.

At the heart of the deal is ozureprubart, RAPT’s lead drug candidate now in phase IIb testing for food allergy prevention. The therapy aims to reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions with fewer doses over time, a design choice that speaks directly to one of the field’s biggest pain points. Many current treatments work, but they demand frequent clinic visits and long-term commitment. For patients and providers alike, that burden can limit real-world use.

Convenience, once a secondary consideration, is becoming a competitive edge. As healthcare systems look for durable protection without constant intervention, drugs that simplify care are gaining attention. Ozureprubart’s dosing profile could give it room to stand apart if later-stage data hold up.

For GSK, the timing is deliberate. The company faces pressure to refresh its pipeline as several established products approach patent expiry. Immunology remains one of the industry’s most crowded and lucrative arenas, drawing capital, talent, and increasingly aggressive dealmaking. Securing a late-stage allergy asset allows GSK to strengthen its future portfolio rather than wait for internal programs to mature.

The move also reshapes the competitive map. Blockbusters like Xolair still anchor allergy care, but new entrants are no longer trying to replace them outright. Instead, they aim to compete on convenience, eligibility, and long-term management.

Zooming out, the acquisition fits a broader pattern. Large drugmakers are increasingly buying advanced science rather than building from scratch, especially in fast-moving therapeutic areas. For RAPT, the deal brings scale and reach that a smaller biotech could not easily achieve alone.

The science still has hurdles to clear, but the message is clear. In allergy and immunology, the next winners may be defined not just by efficacy, but by how seamlessly they fit into patients’ lives.