European Investor
28 Sep 2026, 18:50
Merck Licenses SciBrunch’s KRAS G12D Cancer Drug Candidate in Deal Worth Up to $2.13 Billion
Merck has entered into an exclusive global licensing agreement with SciBrunch Therapeutics for SPR2015, a preclinical oral KRAS G12D (ON) inhibitor targeting one of the most common cancer-driving mutations.
Under the agreement, Merck gains worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize SPR2015. SciBrunch will receive $400 million upfront and could earn additional development, commercialization and other milestone payments, bringing the total potential value of the deal to $2.13 billion.
SPR2015 is designed to selectively inhibit KRAS G12D, a mutation found across several major cancers, including pancreatic, colorectal and lung tumors. Preclinical data presented at the 2026 AACR Annual Meeting showed nanomolar antiproliferative activity in KRAS G12D-mutant cell lines and antitumor activity across multiple xenograft models.
The deal expands Merck’s precision oncology pipeline and gives the company another targeted approach beyond its established immuno-oncology franchise. Merck said the asset complements its growing portfolio of precision-targeted cancer candidates.
Merck will record a $400 million pre-tax charge related to the transaction in the third quarter of 2026, equal to about $0.13 per share on both a GAAP and non-GAAP basis.
Merck has entered into an exclusive global licensing agreement with SciBrunch Therapeutics for SPR2015, a preclinical oral KRAS G12D (ON) inhibitor targeting one of the most common cancer-driving mutations.
Under the agreement, Merck gains worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize SPR2015. SciBrunch will receive $400 million upfront and could earn additional development, commercialization and other milestone payments, bringing the total potential value of the deal to $2.13 billion.
SPR2015 is designed to selectively inhibit KRAS G12D, a mutation found across several major cancers, including pancreatic, colorectal and lung tumors. Preclinical data presented at the 2026 AACR Annual Meeting showed nanomolar antiproliferative activity in KRAS G12D-mutant cell lines and antitumor activity across multiple xenograft models.
The deal expands Merck’s precision oncology pipeline and gives the company another targeted approach beyond its established immuno-oncology franchise. Merck said the asset complements its growing portfolio of precision-targeted cancer candidates.
Merck will record a $400 million pre-tax charge related to the transaction in the third quarter of 2026, equal to about $0.13 per share on both a GAAP and non-GAAP basis.
