Gilead’s acquisition of Ouro Medicines marks a major move by Gilead Sciences as the company expands its focus on autoimmune diseases. The drugmaker has agreed to buy the privately held biotech for up to $2.18 billion, including an upfront payment of about $1.675 billion and as much as $500 million in milestone-based payouts. The deal gives Gilead full rights to Ouro’s lead drug candidate OM336, also known as gamgertamig.
Lead Drug and Trial Progress
OM336 is a BCMAxCD3 bispecific T-cell engager designed to remove harmful B cells and plasma cells that drive autoimmune disorders. The drug is in Phase 1/2 clinical trials for autoimmune hemolytic anemia and immune thrombocytopenia. The U.S. FDA has granted both Fast Track and Orphan Drug status to the program. Gilead plans to move OM336 into registrational studies in 2027, based on early safety and efficacy signals.
Collaboration Talks With Galapagos
Gilead is also in advanced discussions with Galapagos to jointly develop the assets from Ouro. Under the proposed structure, Galapagos would fund 50% of the upfront payment and half of the milestone costs. The company would also absorb most of Ouro’s staff and operating assets. Both companies would share development spending until registrational trials begin.
Gilead would keep global commercial rights outside Greater China, where KeyMed Biosciences holds existing rights. Galapagos would earn 20% to23% royalties on net sales in regions where it does not commercialize the drug.
Strategic Expansion
Gilead’s acquisition of Ouro Medicines strengthens Gilead’s immunology and inflammation pipeline, which the company has been expanding beyond its long-established antiviral portfolio. The move follows other recent investments in innovative platforms, including cell therapy and next-generation biologics. With OM336, Gilead will gain a first-in-class drug candidate aimed at conditions with few effective treatments.
Closing Conditions
The transaction is subject to standard regulatory reviews and closing requirements. Both companies expect to move forward once approvals are completed, but have not announced a final closing date.
Outlook
Gilead’s acquisition of Ouro Medicines positions the company to compete more strongly in the fast-growing autoimmune therapeutics market. With regulatory designations, early clinical progress, and a potential partnership with Galapagos, Gilead aims to advance a novel treatment approach for serious immune-mediated diseases while building a broader long-term immunology portfolio.
