March 23 (Reuters) - Gilead Sciences ( GILD ) is close

to reaching a deal to acquire Ouro Medicines, a biotech focused

on immune disorder treatments, for up to $2 billion, the

Financial Times reported on Monday.

Under the proposed terms, Gilead will pay Ouro's investors

roughly $1.5 billion upfront in cash and at least an additional

$500 million if certain clinical trial milestones are hit, the

report said, ​citing people familiar with ​the matter.

Privately held Ouro is testing an antibody drug,

gamgertamig, in early-stage studies to treat autoimmune

conditions, including hemolytic anemia and Sjögren's disease, a

muscle-weakening disorder.

Gilead, best known for its HIV drugs, has been looking

outside of its key areas for growth amid looming patent expiries

and declining sales of its COVID-19 drug Veklury.

The drugmaker agreed to buy partner Arcellx for up to $7.8

billion last month, its biggest deal since 2020, to strengthen

its lineup of cancer treatments.

The deal to acquire Ouro could be announced in the coming

days, the FT report said, adding that the timing and terms could

change.

Gilead and Ouro Medicines did not immediately respond to

Reuters requests for comment.

California-based Ouro is backed by investors including

private equity firm TPG, British drugmaker GSK and

venture capital firm Monograph Capital.