Gilead Sciences Inc (NASDAQ:GILD, XETRA:GIS) announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Ouro Medicines, a privately held biotech company developing T cell engager therapies for autoimmune diseases.
The acquisition adds OM336 (gamgertamig), a clinical-stage BCMAxCD3 bispecific T cell engager, to Gilead’s inflammation portfolio.
The therapy is designed to provide rapid and deep B cell depletion following a limited subcutaneous treatment course. In Phase 1/2 clinical studies, OM336 has shown efficacy and a differentiated safety profile after a single treatment cycle in severe antibody-mediated conditions, including autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).
The US Food and Drug Administration has granted OM336 both Fast Track and Orphan Drug Designation for these indications. Registrational studies are expected to begin in 2027.
“BCMA is a validated target with emerging data demonstrating potentially transformative outcomes in autoimmune diseases,” Gilead’s chief medical officer Dr Dietmar Berger said.
He added that BCMA-targeted T cell engagers may offer durable disease control and complement Gilead’s broader inflammation pipeline.
The acquisition is structured with Gilead paying $1.675 billion in upfront cash, plus up to $500 million in contingent milestone payments. The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions.
As part of the deal, Gilead is in discussions with Galapagos for a potential research and development collaboration on the Ouro portfolio. Under the contemplated arrangement, Galapagos would cover development costs until registrational studies, retain Ouro’s employees, and co-develop OM336 with Gilead.
Gilead would maintain worldwide commercialization rights, excluding Greater China, where Keymed Biosciences holds rights, and would pay Galapagos royalties on net sales.
Shares of Gilead were little changed on Tuesday morning, trading hands at $137.