Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, and China-based startup SciBrunch Therapeutics have entered into an exclusive global license agreement for SPR2015, an investigational preclinical oral KRAS G12D (ON) inhibitor.
“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.”
Under the agreement, SciBrunch has granted Merck exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and commercialise SPR2015 worldwide. SciBrunch will receive an upfront payment of $400 million and is eligible to receive payments associated with the achievement of certain milestones related to development, commercialisation and other activities across multiple indications.
The total potential aggregate value of the transaction, including the upfront payment, is $2.13 billion. The transaction has closed.
“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."
