Speculation builds about a multibillion-dollar takeout of Revolution Medicines
Multiple media reports say Merck is in talks to acquire Revolution Medicines in a deal that could value the biotech at about $28–32 billion.124
The Financial Times report, cited by several outlets, says discussions are ongoing and a deal could be announced within weeks, but there is no guarantee a transaction will occur.124
Revolution Medicines’ market cap is about $20.8 billion, so the rumored offer range implies a significant takeover premium.2
Shares of Revolution Medicines (RVMD) jumped sharply, trading around $121 pre-market, up roughly 12–13% from a prior close of $107.39 after the buyout chatter intensified.2
Alongside Merck, other large pharma companies have reportedly shown interest, with earlier reports naming AbbVie as a potential suitor, though AbbVie has publicly denied the rumor.2
The acquisition rumors are building ahead of the 2026 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, a major industry event where many biopharma deals are often announced.23
If completed, any buyer would gain Revolution’s pipeline of targeted therapies for RAS‑driven cancers, including its lead candidate daraxonrasib, an oral selective RAS inhibitor now in pivotal development for pancreatic and non‑small cell lung cancers.2
Earlier Phase I data for daraxonrasib showed a 29% confirmed objective response rate in second‑line pancreatic cancer with RAS mutations and 47% ORR in a separate first‑line pancreatic cancer study.2
The FDA has granted Revolution a Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher for daraxonrasib, which can accelerate regulatory review and adds strategic value for potential acquirers.2
All current reports emphasize that talks are preliminary/ongoing, and there is no definitive agreement yet; another bidder could still outbid Merck or the company could remain independent.124
Sources:
1. https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/merck-in-talks-to-acquire-revolution-medicines-for-about-30-billion-report/cmU2pTHR4dy
2. https://www.biospace.com/business/revolution-soars-amid-swirling-buyout-rumors-with-merck-abbvie
3. https://www.pharmalive.com/revolution-soars-amid-swirling-buyout-rumors-with-merck-abbvie/
4. https://www.fidelity.com/news/article/company-news/202601090152BENZINGAFULLNGTH49805296