Global biopharmaceutical leader GSK PLC has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire efimosfermin, a promising liver-disease treatment, from Boston Pharmaceuticals for up to $2 billion, significantly enhancing its hepatology pipeline.
Under the terms of the agreement, GSK will acquire BP Asset IX Inc., a subsidiary of Boston Pharmaceuticals, granting it full rights to efimosfermin—an investigational treatment for steatotic liver disease, a condition affecting approximately 5% of the global population.
The deal includes an upfront payment of $1.2 billion, with an additional $800 million in potential milestone payments. The transaction is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act in the United States.
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP served as legal counsel to GSK, while Sullivan & Cromwell LLP advised Boston Pharmaceuticals. Financial advisors include Evercore Partners International LLP for GSK and Centerview Partners LLC for Boston Pharmaceuticals.
“This acquisition is a strong strategic fit for GSK’s focus on immune-driven diseases and auto-inflammation,” said Tony Wood, Chief Scientific Officer at GSK. “Efimosfermin has the potential to become a best-in-class therapy, with first launch expected in 2029.”
Efimosfermin, a once-monthly injectable, is designed to regulate metabolism, reduce liver fat and inflammation, and potentially reverse liver fibrosis. GSK emphasized the drug’s potential to reduce liver disease progression to cancer and hospitalizations—changes that could save the U.S. healthcare system an estimated $100 billion over the next two decades.
Elias Zerhouni, Chair of Boston Pharmaceuticals, commented: “We are delighted that GSK recognized efimosfermin’s promise to address a significant unmet global health need.”
Efimosfermin represents Boston Pharmaceuticals’ lead asset, reflecting its mission to develop transformative therapies for serious liver diseases.
This Cleary Gottlieb GSK $2B Acquisition Liver-Disease Drug marks a significant step forward in GSK’s commitment to innovation in hepatology and immune-related conditions.
