GSK to acquire US biotech firm IDRx in US$1.15B deal

USA—British pharmaceutical company GSK has announced plans to acquire Boston-based biopharmaceutical firm IDRx for up to US$1.15 billion, marking another step in GSK’s efforts to expand its portfolio in treating gastrointestinal cancers.

IDRx specializes in developing therapies for gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST), a rare type of tumour that often affects the digestive system.

As part of the agreement, GSK will make an upfront payment of US$1 billion, with an additional US$150 million contingent on achieving regulatory milestones.

 GSK will also handle success-based payments and tiered royalties owed to Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, for IDRX-42, IDRx’s leading drug candidate.

The acquisition includes IDRX-42, a highly selective KIT tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI).

This drug is being developed as a treatment for GIST, both as a first-line therapy and for cases where the disease has progressed despite initial treatment.

 GIST is typically caused by mutations in the KIT gene, which drive tumor growth and survival.

While initial treatments can target these mutations, around 90% of patients eventually develop resistance due to secondary KIT mutations, leaving them with limited treatment options.

IDRX-42 is designed to address this unmet need by targeting both primary and secondary KIT mutations.

Early data suggests that the drug has broad mutational coverage and high selectivity, which could not only improve treatment effectiveness but also reduce side effects, giving it the potential to become a best-in-class therapy for GIST patients.

GSK has been actively expanding its cancer treatment portfolio as it faces challenges in other areas, such as its vaccines business.

 According to Luke Miels, GSK’s Chief Commercial Officer, the acquisition aligns with their strategy of acquiring innovative treatments that target areas of significant unmet medical need.

Tony Wood, GSK’s Chief Scientific Officer, expressed optimism about IDRX-42, noting its potential to fill a major gap in GIST treatment.

 GSK plans to accelerate the drug’s development, aiming to redefine the treatment landscape by 2025.

Tim Clackson, CEO of IDRx, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, noting that there have been no major advancements in GIST treatment for nearly 20 years.

He believes GSK’s expertise in gastrointestinal cancers and global clinical capabilities will help bring this innovative medicine to patients more quickly.

This acquisition strengthens GSK’s position in the GI cancer space, complementing ongoing trials of other therapies such as dostarlimab and GSK5764227, a B7-H3-targeted antibody-drug conjugate.

The deal reflects GSK’s commitment to investing in cutting-edge treatments and driving growth beyond 2031.

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