Merck & Co. Inc. / Taiho Pharmaceutical / Astex Pharmaceuticals
2020 · Licensing/Option · $2.5B · Complete
Announcement Sentiment
93
Strongly positive
Merck entered an exclusive worldwide research collaboration and license agreement with Taiho Pharmaceutical and Astex Pharmaceuticals for small molecule inhibitors against several drug targets including the KRAS oncogene. Taiho and Astex received $50M upfront and are eligible for up to ~$2.5B in milestones plus tiered royalties. Taiho retained co-commercialization rights in Japan and an option to promote in parts of Southeast Asia.