Proactive Investors - GSK PLC has paid around £1.6bn for Bellus Health Inc, a Canada-based, late-stage biopharmaceutical company which specialises in respiratory treatments.
The pharmaceuticals giant said the deal further strengthens its medicines and respiratory pipeline with camlipixant, a highly selective P2X3 antagonist and potential best-in-class treatment for refractory chronic cough.
Camlipixant is currently in phase III clinical development with anticipated regulatory approval and launch in 2026.
The acquisition is expected to be accretive to adjusted EPS from 2027 with significant sales potential through 2031, GSK said in a statement.
It is estimated that 28 mln patients suffer from chronic cough, with 10 mln patients globally and 6 mln in the US and EU suffering for over a year.
Luke Miels, Chief Commercial Officer, GSK, said: "Camlipixant, a novel, highly selective P2X3 antagonist, has the potential to be a best-in-class treatment with significant sales potential.
“This proposed acquisition complements our portfolio of specialty medicines and builds on our expertise in respiratory therapies."