Pharma BD Deal Intelligence
GSK plc's $1.15B acquisition of IDRx targeted IDRX-42 (velzatinib), a KIT inhibitor built to cover the resistance mutations that limit existing GIST therapies. GSK moved fast, launching Phase 3 StrateGIST 3 within a year, though a strategic verdict on the bet remains pending as trials are still recruiting.
Less than 30 months after Idrx emerged from stealth mode, GSK is acquiring the private start-up for $1 billion up front to gain its sole clinical asset: a…
GSK acquires IDRx for $1B hoping to bring GIST patients new standard of care with IDRX-42.
In these spaces, Walmsley highlighted the company's recent acquisition of IDRx as an example of what the pharma is looking for in the coming year. Announced…
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GSK plc acquired clinical-stage oncology company IDRx, Inc. for up to $1.15 billion ($1.0 billion upfront plus a $150 million success-based regulatory milestone), announced January 13, 2025 and completed February 24, 2025. The deal centers on IDRX-42 (GSK6042981; proposed INN velzatinib), a highly selective, broad-spectrum KIT tyrosine kinase inhibitor designed to cover both primary and secondary KIT mutations in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) — the resistance gap that limits existing TKIs, where ~90% of first-line patients develop resistant mutations. IDRX-42 holds FDA Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations; GSK is also responsible for milestones and tiered royalties owed to Merck KGaA. Following close, GSK advanced the asset into the Phase 3 StrateGIST 3 trial (NCT07218926), evaluating IDRX-42 versus sunitinib in second-line GIST after imatinib with progression-free survival as the primary endpoint (recruiting since December 2025), alongside an ongoing first-line Phase 3 program.
5K US cases/yr · $2.5B Global GIST Rx Market
GIST is a rare cancer of the GI tract, with ~80% driven by KIT mutations (most commonly exon 11). First-line imatinib produces durable responses initially, but most patients eventually develop secondary KIT mutations conferring resistance. Existing later-line TKIs have limited coverage across the spectrum of resistance mutations.
Current SOC: imatinib (1L), sunitinib (2L), regorafenib (3L), ripretinib (4L). IDRX-42 has potential to be first pan-KIT inhibitor covering all clinically relevant primary and secondary mutations. 53% ORR in 2L setting is compelling.
GSK completed $1.15B acquisition of IDRx, gaining IDRX-42, highly selective KIT inhibitor for gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
GSK initiated the Phase 3 StrateGIST 3 trial (NCT07218926) of IDRX-42 (GSK6042981 / velzatinib) versus sunitinib in second-line metastatic/unresectable GIST after imatinib, PFS primary endpoint — advancing the acquired asset into registrational testing and de-risking the original deal thesis.
IDRX-42 targets KIT-driven GIST with pan-mutant profile. Closed May 2025; in clinical development. Competes with Deciphera's ripretinib.
| Deal | Year | Value | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| GSK plc / IDRx Inc. (this deal) | 2025 | $1.1B | 66 |
| GSK plc / SmithKline Beecham | 2000 | $12.0B | 79 |
| GSK plc / Pfizer Inc. | 2018 | $0.0M | 77 |
| GSK plc / Novartis AG | 2014 | $16.0B | 76 |
| GSK plc / Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. | 2023 | $1.7B | 74 |
| GSK plc / Nuvalent, Inc. | 2026 | $10.6B | 70 |
| GSK plc / Sierra Oncology Inc. | 2022 | $1.9B | 70 |
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