UNITED STATES OF AMERICA —Biopharmaceutical major Gilead Sciences, Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire an oral IL-23R inhibitor program, including its lead clinical-stage asset HCXT-2001, from privately held biotechnology enterprise PepStar Therapeutics Limited. The transaction entails a total upfront cash consideration of 1.275 billion US dollars, subject to customary closing adjustments, and is projected to conclude in the fourth quarter of 2026. The acquisition will impact Gilead's fourth-quarter GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per share by an estimated 0.79 to 0.83 US dollars.
Gilead Sciences is a Nasdaq-listed research-based biopharmaceutical corporation headquartered in the United States that discovers, develops, and commercializes innovative therapeutics in areas of unmet medical need, including virology, oncology, and inflammatory conditions. PepStar Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in the discovery and development of proprietary oral macrocyclic peptide therapeutics for immunological disorders.
The acquired program centers on HCXT-2001, an investigational oral macrocyclic peptide inhibitor targeting the interleukin-23 receptor with an extended half-life profile. IL-23R is a validated therapeutic target in chronic immune-mediated inflammatory conditions, offering potential applications across inflammatory bowel diseases and psoriasis. Gilead intends to evaluate the asset as a standalone daily oral therapy or in potential combination regimens alongside other internal candidates such as emvistegrast.
This multi-billion dollar acquisition highlights intense pharmaceutical industry competition to secure differentiated oral biologics and peptide technologies in immunology. For specialty biopharma investors, clinical research organizations, and gastroenterology specialists, expanding oral pipeline options for chronic inflammatory conditions addresses significant patient adherence hurdles, diversifies commercial portfolios, and accelerates targeted drug development.
