Gilead Sciences announced on Mar. 24 a planned acquisition of Ouro Medicines in a deal that could reach more than $2 billion. The agreement includes an upfront payment of $1.675 billion and up to $500 million in additional milestone payments.
The acquisition is significant as it reflects Gilead's ongoing strategy to expand its business through targeted deals, following its recent purchase of Arcellx and partnerships with other biotech firms. This move could further strengthen Gilead's pipeline in immune-related therapies.
According to the company, Gilead is also close to finalizing an agreement with Galapagos, which would see the Belgian biotechnology firm cover half of both the upfront and milestone payments associated with the Ouro deal. If completed, Galapagos would also fully fund development costs for OM336 until registrational studies begin, after which both companies would share financial responsibilities equally.
Ouro Medicines was founded by Monograph Capital and GSK in January 2025 with $120 million in initial funding. Its lead candidate, OM336—a T cell engager targeting BCMA and CD3 proteins—entered clinical trials last June and has received Orphan Drug designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for immune thrombocytopenia as well as Fast Track status earlier this year.
Chief Medical Officer Dietmar Berger said OM336 "represents a differentiated approach with the potential to induce durable disease control," adding that it "complements our expanding inflammation pipeline." Under proposed terms with Galapagos, Gilead will retain global commercialization rights except for Greater China; Galapagos will be eligible for tiered royalties between 20% and 23% of net sales while absorbing most of Ouro’s assets and employees.
Gilead’s relationship with Galapagos dates back to July 2019 when they partnered on investigational drugs valued at over $5 billion. Although they restructured their partnership last year—including plans that were later abandoned—both companies continue seeking strategic collaborations amid changing business priorities.
