Merck Licenses Scibrunch's Cancer-Fighting Compound in $2B+ Deal

Pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. Inc. has entered an exclusive global license agreement with Chinese biotech company Scibrunch Therapeutics Co. Ltd. for its SPR-2015 oral KRAS G12D (on) inhibitor.

The deal, worth a potential $2.13 billion, marks a significant milestone in the development of targeted cancer therapies. SPR-2015 is currently in preclinical trials and has shown promise in inhibiting the KRAS G12D mutation, which is present in approximately 3% of all cancer cases.

The agreement grants Merck global rights to develop and commercialize SPR-2015 for oncology applications, with Scibrunch retaining rights for other indications. The deal's value includes potential milestone payments as well as royalties on sales.