GSK to Acquire Nuvalent for $10.6 Billion in Cancer Drug Deal
GSK plc announced it has agreed to acquire Nuvalent, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on oncology therapies, for $10.6 billion. The deal aims to bolster GSK's cancer drug pipeline with two late-stage lung cancer candidates.
Pharmaceutical giant GSK plc has entered into an agreement to acquire Nuvalent, Inc., a U.S.-based biopharmaceutical company specializing in precisely targeted oncology therapies, for $10.6 billion. The acquisition is designed to enhance GSK's oncology portfolio by adding assets that target validated mechanisms and aim to address efficacy or tolerability limitations of current cancer treatments.
The acquisition includes three lung cancer assets from Nuvalent, notably two late-stage drug candidates: zidesamtinib, a ROS1 inhibitor, and neladalkib, an ALK inhibitor. Both are intended for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and are currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with anticipated approvals in 2026. These drugs are considered potentially best-in-class for their respective targets.
GSK CEO Luke Miels stated that the deal aligns with the company's strategy of acquiring clinically proven assets that address unmet medical needs. He highlighted that the lead products represent significant new treatment options for patients with specific forms of NSCLC, potentially offering improved duration of treatment and quality of life compared to existing therapies.
The transaction is expected to be accretive to GSK's sales and operating profit from 2027. The deal, valued at $10.6 billion in equity, will be funded through a combination of new and existing debt facilities, along with cash. GSK expects to maintain its investment-grade credit profile following the transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and tender of a majority of Nuvalent's shares.