GSK acquires Bellus Health for $2 billion to challenge cough market.
GSK plans to acquire Bellus Health for $2 billion in an all-cash deal to expand its respiratory portfolio and replenish its pipeline. The deal is centered around camlipixant, an experimental drug in late-stage development for refractory chronic cough. GSK's offer of $14.75 per share is more than double Bellus' closing price on Monday. The acquisition comes as GSK investors worry about the loss of patent protection for one of its key compounds. GSK has announced a string of deals to plug the gap, including a buyout of Affinivax and Sierra Oncology.
