GSK to Acquire 35Pharma for $950 Million to Strengthen Pulmonary Hypertension Pipeline

GSK has agreed to acquire Canadian clinical-stage biotech 35Pharma for $950 million in cash, gaining access to its investigational pulmonary hypertension therapy HS235, an activin-signaling inhibitor designed to treat cardiopulmonary diseases. The drug, currently in early clinical development, is being positioned as a potential best-in-class therapy with improved safety and metabolic benefits compared with existing treatments such as activin-targeting drugs used in pulmonary arterial hypertension. The acquisition aims to expand GSK’s respiratory and inflammation portfolio while advancing new treatment options for patients with limited therapeutic choices.

Advancing Next-Generation Pulmonary Hypertension Therapies

HS235 has completed Phase I trials and is expected to enter further studies in pulmonary arterial hypertension and related heart-failure conditions. The therapy targets the activin receptor signaling pathway and may reduce bleeding risks while improving metabolic markers such as insulin sensitivity and body composition. These differentiated features could address key limitations of current therapies and support broader clinical use in complex patient populations.

Strategic Pipeline Expansion Amid Patent Pressures

The deal reflects GSK’s strategy to acquire mid-stage, science-validated assets to strengthen long-term growth as major product patents approach expiry. Under CEO Luke Miels, the company has accelerated business development activity to build a diversified pipeline across respiratory, immunology, and inflammation markets, targeting future launches that can support revenue expansion into the next decade.