Merck KGaA in Advanced Talks to Acquire SpringWorks Therapeutics, Bolstering Oncology Portfolio
Merck KGaA has confirmed it is in advanced talks to acquire SpringWorks Therapeutics, a US-based biopharmaceutical company specializing in cancer and rare disease treatments14.
SpringWorks recently received FDA approval for Gomekli (mirdametinib), a treatment for neurofibromatosis type 1 with symptomatic plexiform neurofibromas (NF1-PN) in both adults and children8.
The potential acquisition would strengthen Merck's oncology portfolio and be one of its largest pharmaceutical deals in recent years12.
SpringWorks' first commercial drug, Ogsiveo, for desmoid tumors, was approved in late 20234.
News of the potential acquisition caused SpringWorks' share price to jump nearly 40%, valuing the company at approximately $4.02 billion4.
No legally binding agreement has been signed yet, and critical conditions still need to be met47.
The acquisition aligns with Merck's strategy of focusing on its life-science business for larger transactions and intensifying in-licensing of drug candidates in its healthcare segment4.
If successful, the deal could be announced in the coming weeks1.
Sources:
1. https://www.worldpharmaceuticals.net/news/merck-in-talks-to-acquire-us-cancer-and-rare-disease-firm-springworks/
2. https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/MERCK-KGAA-436395/news/Merck-KGaA-strengthens-position-in-cancer-drugs-with-possible-acquisition-Springworks-Therapeutics-49033195/
4. https://www.morningstar.com/news/dow-jones/20250211957/germanys-merck-in-talks-to-buy-springworks-therapeutics
7. https://www.emdgroup.com/en/news/merck-confirms-discussions-with-springworks-therapeutics--inc--o.html
8. https://www.biospace.com/fda/springworks-wins-fda-nod-for-neurofibromatosis-drug-tees-up-challenge-to-astrazeneca