The move comes as GSK faces pressure to replenish its pipeline, with some of its top-selling drugs nearing the end of their exclusivity periods.

GSK will buy efimosfermin, a liver disease drug in late-stage trials, for up to $2 billion from U.S. biotechnology firm Boston Pharmaceuticals, the British drugmaker said on Wednesday. Efimosfermin, a monthly subcutaneous injection,

GSK will gain access to efimosfermin by acquiring Boston’s subsidiary BP Asset IX for $1.2bn upfront and up to $800m in success-based milestone payments. The drugmaker will also be responsible for success-based milestone payments as well as tiered royalties for efimosfermin owed to Novartis Pharma.