Merck has secured exclusive global rights to SPR2015, SciBrunch Therapeutics’ preclinical oral cancer drug candidate, in a transaction worth up to $2.13 billion.
Under the agreement, Merck will develop, manufacture and commercialize SPR2015 worldwide. SciBrunch will receive $400 million upfront and may receive additional payments if specified development, commercialization and other milestones are met across multiple indications. The companies said the transaction has closed.
The maximum potential value includes the upfront payment; the remaining payments depend on future milestones. The companies did not identify the individual milestones, their payment amounts or the timetable for pursuing them.
SPR2015 is designed to inhibit the active, or “ON,” form of KRAS carrying the G12D mutation. KRAS is involved in cellular signaling and can promote tumor growth when mutated. SciBrunch described SPR2015 as a preclinical candidate, meaning its safety and effectiveness in people have not been established.
Merck said the license adds to its pipeline of precision-targeted oncology candidates. SciBrunch, which develops drugs aimed at the RAS pathway, identified pancreatic, colorectal and lung cancers among the tumor types relevant to its research.
The agreement gives Merck responsibility for advancing SPR2015 through further development and, if it receives regulatory approval, manufacturing and commercialization. SciBrunch retains the right to receive contingent payments tied to the program’s progress.
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