GSK has entered into an agreement to acquire Canadian biotech company 35Pharma for $950 million in cash.[1][3] 35Pharma is a clinically advanced biotechnology firm specializing in the development of new protein drugs.[3] The acquisition includes the drug HS235, an inhibitor of activin signaling in clinical development for the treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases.[1][3] HS235 has completed Phase I clinical trials in healthy volunteers and will soon begin studies in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension due to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (PH-HFpEF).[3] According to GSK, HS235 offers the potential to treat patients with pulmonary hypertension while reducing the risk of bleeding and with unique metabolic advantages over existing therapies.[3] This drug will strengthen GSK's portfolio in respiratory, immunological and inflammatory (RI&I) diseases with protective effects on metabolic and vascular function.[3] The transaction is subject to standard terms, including regulatory approvals in the US and Canada.[3]