Gilead Sciences to Acquire PepStar's Oral Inflammation Drug Program for $1.28 Billion

05:30 PM EDT, 10/22/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Gilead Sciences (GILD) agreed to acquire an investigational oral inflammation drug program, including lead asset HCXT-2001, from PepStar Therapeutics for $1.28 billion in cash, the company said Thursday. HCXT-2001 is an oral peptide inhibitor of the interleukin-23 receptor currently in Phase 1 clinical trials. The program targets immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with potential applications in psoriasis. Gilead said HCXT-2001 could be developed as a standalone treatment or in combination with other programs, including emvistegrast, to address unmet needs in IBD. The acquisition will provide Gilead with worldwide rights to the program. The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2026. Gilead expects the acquisition to reduce Q4 GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per share by $0.79 to $0.83.