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GSK plc (LSE/NYSE:GSK) has announced the acquisition of efimosfermin alfa, a promising treatment for steatotic liver disease (SLD), from Boston Pharmaceuticals. The deal, which includes an upfront payment of $1.2 billion and potential success-based milestones totaling $800 million, was made public today, Wednesday.
SLD, affecting up to 5% of the global population, is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, leading to inflammation and fibrosis. Efimosfermin, a once-monthly fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) analog therapeutic, is entering phase III trials, showing potential to reverse liver fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a form of SLD.
The acquisition aligns with GSK’s R&D focus on the immune system and its expertise in fibrosis and auto-inflammation. Efimosfermin is expected to expand GSK’s hepatology pipeline and, with its unique properties, may set a new standard of care for SLD treatment. The first launch of the drug is anticipated in 2029.
Phase II trial data demonstrated that efimosfermin could significantly reverse liver fibrosis and halt its progression, offering a manageable tolerability profile. This positions efimosfermin as a potential new standard-of-care due to its monthly dosing and tolerability profile.
Tony Wood, GSK’s Chief Scientific Officer, expressed optimism about efimosfermin’s potential to redefine care standards with its monthly dosing and tolerability profile. Elias Zerhouni, Chair of the Board at Boston Pharmaceuticals, lauded the agreement with GSK and highlighted the dedication of the Boston Pharmaceuticals team and the Bertarelli family’s strategic commitment to the venture.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, including clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act in the US. Financial advisors for GSK and Boston Pharmaceuticals are Evercore Partners (NYSE:EVR) International LLP and Centerview Partners LLC, respectively, with legal counsel provided by Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.
This news is based on a press release statement.
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