Merck partners with SciBrunch on $2.13 billion oncology drug deal

Merck, also known as MSD outside the U.S. and Canada, has entered into a significant partnership with China-based SciBrunch Therapeutics. The agreement centers around SPR2015, an experimental oral KRAS G12D inhibitor currently in preclinical development. Merck has secured exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize the drug.

The deal includes an upfront payment of $400 million to SciBrunch, with the potential for additional milestone payments. The total value of the transaction could reach up to $2.13 billion, contingent on achieving various development and commercialization goals across multiple indications.

George Addona, senior vice president of Merck Research Laboratories, highlighted the growing evidence supporting the KRAS pathway as a key factor in tumor growth. He emphasized that SPR2015 complements Merck's expanding pipeline of precision-targeted therapies, particularly for one of the most common KRAS mutations found in human cancers.

Tao Hu, founder and CEO of SciBrunch, expressed pride in the company's focus on innovative therapies targeting the RAS pathway. He noted that the agreement with Merck validates SciBrunch's research platform and underscores the potential of SPR2015 in addressing unmet medical needs in oncology, particularly for pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers.