GSK completes acquisition of BELLUS Health

GSK plc and BELLUS Health Inc. announced GSK has completed the acquisition of BELLUS, a biopharmaceutical company working to better the lives of patients suffering from refractory chronic cough (RCC), by way of a plan of arrangement in accordance with Section 192 of the Canada Business Corporations Act. The Arrangement was approved by BELLUS’ shareholders on 16 June 2023.

As previously announced, the acquisition of BELLUS includes 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.

In connection with the closing of the Arrangement, BELLUS also announced the cancellation of its annual shareholder meeting, which was scheduled for 30 June 2023.

Luke Miels, Chief Commercial Officer, GSK said: “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 commercialisation capabilities. We are now focused on progressing camlipixant through phase III trials to offer a therapeutic option for RCC patients as soon as possible.”

Following the anticipated regulatory approval and launch of camlipixant, the acquisition is expected to be accretive to adjusted EPS from 2027 and has the potential to deliver significant sales through 2031 and beyond.