RAPT Therapeutics Stock Soars 63% in Pre-Market on Nasdaq After GSK’s $2.2 Billion Acquisition Deal

On January 20, 2026, RAPT Therapeutics stock made a sharp move, surging over 63% in pre-market trading on the Nasdaq. This surge followed news that GSK plc agreed to buy the biotech company in an all-cash deal worth about $2.2 billion. This rally grabbed the attention of investors and traders worldwide. The deal represents a significant milestone for RAPT’s clinical program and signals growing confidence in its pipeline.

What Happened, Stock Reaction & Deal Details

• Stock Surge: RAPT Therapeutics stock jumped 63%+ in pre-market.
• Price Move: Shares rose from $35.10 to $57.45 in pre-market.
• Why the jump: The surge happened after GSK announced an acquisition deal.
• Deal Price: GSK will buy RAPT for $58 per share in cash.
• Deal Value: The total deal is worth about $2.2 billion.
• Market Reaction: Investors saw a big premium in the offer.
• Shareholder Gain: Many shareholders got instant profit opportunities.

Who Is RAPT Therapeutics?

• Company Type: RAPT is a clinical-stage biotech company.
• Location: The company is headquartered in California, USA.

• Focus Area: They work on inflammatory and immune diseases.
• Key Program: Their main drug is ozureprubart.
• Drug Type: It is a long-acting anti-IgE antibody.
• Clinical Stage: The drug is in Phase IIb trials.
• Target Use: It aims to reduce severe food allergy reactions.
• Stock History: The stock rose last year but fell in the long term.
• Investor Interest: Analysts watched its pipeline and upgrades.

Why GSK Is Buying RAPT

• Main Reason: GSK wants access to ozureprubart.
• Patient Benefit: The drug may give longer-lasting protection against allergies.
• Strategy Fit: GSK is expanding its Respiratory & Immunology portfolio.
• Market Need: Food allergies affect millions of people globally.
• Dosing Advantage: It may need less frequent dosing than other drugs.
• Deal Terms: GSK will pay $58 per share in cash.
• Closing Time: The deal is expected to close in Q1 2026.

What It Means for Investors

• Short-Term Gain: Shareholders can get $58 per share in cash.
• Certainty: Investors don’t have to wait for trial results.
• Profit Lock: It allows locking in gains early.
• Still Risky: The deal must still pass approvals.
• Regulatory Risk: It may face regulatory review.
• Market Risk: The stock can still move based on investor mood.
• Biotech Risk: The sector is volatile and news-driven.

What’s Next, Pipeline & Future Prospects

• Post-Deal Focus: GSK will push RAPT’s clinical programs.
• Key Milestone: Phase IIb data is expected in 2027.
• Next Step: Phase III trials may follow after 2027.
• Market Size: Over 17 million Americans have food allergies.
• Big Opportunity: The drug could help many multi-food allergy patients.
• Strategic Benefit: The acquisition helps GSK’s immunology growth.
• Patent Pressure: It may offset revenue loss from expiring patents.

Conclusion

We from the markets team see RAPT Therapeutics stock surge as a clear response to the acquisition announcement by GSK. The deal values the company at about $2.2 billion, with RAPT shareholders receiving a substantial premium. This is not just a stock story; it’s about how biotech innovation is rewarded in deal valuations and how large pharmaceutical firms pursue growth through strategic acquisitions. The real test now will be whether the clinical promise behind RAPT’s therapies can be fully realized under GSK’s development engine.

For investors, this event highlights how quickly catalysts like acquisitions can change stock trajectories, and why staying informed on clinical developments and industry moves matters.

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The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.