Gilead Sciences has agreed to acquire PepStar Therapeutics’ oral inflammation drug program for approximately $1.28 billion in cash. The deal gives Gilead worldwide rights to the program, including its lead asset, HCXT-2001, an experimental treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
The acquisition expands Gilead’s inflammation and immunology portfolio. HCXT-2001 is a clinical-stage oral IL-23R inhibitor, which targets a clinically validated pathway in immune-mediated diseases such as IBD and psoriasis.
Gilead sees potential for HCXT-2001 as a daily oral treatment, either alone or in combination with its other programs. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026.