Merck has agreed to acquire exclusive global rights to SciBrunch Therapeutics’ experimental KRAS G12D inhibitor SPR2015 in a deal valued at up to $2.13 billion, as the drugmaker expands its pipeline of targeted cancer therapies.
Under the agreement, SciBrunch will receive $400 million upfront and could collect additional payments tied to development, commercialization and other milestones across multiple indications. The transaction has closed.
SPR2015 is an investigational preclinical oral KRAS G12D (ON) inhibitor. Merck will hold exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize the candidate.
“Evidence continues to accumulate for the therapeutic potential of targeting the KRAS pathway, a well-characterized factor in tumor cell growth,” said George Addona, senior vice president, discovery, preclinical development and translational medicine, Merck Research Laboratories.
“This agreement complements and diversifies our expanding pipeline of precision targeted candidates with SPR2015, a potent engineered inhibitor for one of the most prevalent mutant forms of KRAS found in human cancers.”
The deal gives Merck access to a potential new treatment approach targeting KRAS G12D, a mutant form of the KRAS protein implicated in several cancers.
“Since our founding, SciBrunch has remained focused on advancing innovative therapies targeting the RAS pathway and is committed to delivering transformative treatment options for patients with pancreatic, colorectal, lung, and other major malignant tumors,” said Tao Hu, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of SciBrunch.
“This agreement with Merck not only validates the R&D strength of our platform but also underscores the potential of SPR2015 in addressing longstanding unmet medical needs in oncology. We are excited that Merck, a global leader in oncology, will take SPR2015 forward.”
Merck said it will record a $400 million pre-tax charge, or approximately $0.13 per share, in the third quarter of 2026. The charge will be included in both GAAP and non-GAAP results.
.png)
