GSK to acquire Bellus Health
GSK is set to acquire Bellus Health for $14.75 per share of common stock in cash representing an approximate total equity value of $2 billion.
Bellus is a Canada-based, late-stage biopharmaceutical company working to better the lives of patients suffering from refractory chronic cough,
The acquisition provides GSK access to Camlipixant, a potential best-in-class and highly selective P2X3 antagonist currently in phase III development for the first-line treatment of adult patients with RCC.
It is estimated that 28 million patients suffer from chronic cough, with 10 million patients globally and 6 million in the United States suffering from RCC for more than a year.
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RCC is defined as a persistent cough for more than eight weeks that does not respond to treatment for an underlying condition or is otherwise unexplained. RCC significantly impacts quality of life, with patients suffering from depression (53%), urinary incontinence (~50%), pain,
“Patients suffering from severe forms of refractory chronic cough can experience over 900 coughs daily, resulting in quality-of-life issues," said Luke Miels, chief commercial officer at GSK. "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.”
The acquisition of Bellus is highly synergistic with GSK’s expertise in respiratory medicines and is further supported by GSK’s leading R&D, manufacturing and commercialization capabilities, the company said.
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Following the anticipated regulatory approval and launch of Camlipixant in 2026, the acquisition is expected to be accretive to adjusted EPS from 2027 and has the potential to deliver significant sales through 2031 and beyond.
Roberto Bellini, CEO of Bellus said, “This acquisition recognizes the value of our highly selective P2X3 antagonist Camlipixant and validates the hard work and dedication of all the Bellus employees in advancing Camlipixant to date. As a leader in respiratory research for over five decades, GSK shares our commitment to bettering the lives of individuals suffering from a persistent cough and is the ideal company to rapidly bring Camlipixant to the millions suffering from refractory chronic cough around the world.”