Home / Health / Merck Eyes $6B Terns Pharma Buyout for Rare Cancer Drug
Merck Eyes $6B Terns Pharma Buyout for Rare Cancer Drug
25 Mar
Summary
- Merck nears $6bn deal to acquire Terns Pharma for its rare cancer treatment.
- The acquisition aims to bolster Merck's pipeline before Keytruda's patent expiry.
- Terns' early-stage CML treatment could compete with Novartis's existing drug.
Merck is advancing discussions for a potential acquisition of Terns Pharma, a US-based biotechnology company, in a deal estimated to be around $6 billion. This strategic move is part of Merck's broader effort to enhance its drug development pipeline. The company is particularly focused on addressing the anticipated revenue loss from the patent expiration of its blockbuster oncology drug, Keytruda, which is expected as early as 2028.
Terns Pharma specializes in developing treatments for rare blood and bone cancers. Its lead candidate is an early-stage therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a cancer driven by a genetic mutation affecting the bloodstream and bone marrow. This acquisition signifies Merck's ambition to capture a significant share of the CML treatment market, which is currently led by Novartis's drug, Scemblix.
Late-stage trials for Terns' CML treatment are anticipated to commence by late 2026 or early 2027. The market for CML treatments is substantial, with approximately 93,000 patients treated across G7 nations in 2024. Terns Pharma's shares have seen substantial growth, nearly quintupling since releasing positive clinical data in October 2025.
