Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the U.S. and Canada, has entered into an exclusive global license agreement with Shanghai-based SciBrunch Therapeutics for SPR2015, an investigational oral inhibitor of KRAS G12D, one of the most common cancer-driving mutations found in solid tumors. Announced September 28, 2026, the deal gives Merck worldwide rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize the compound, with a total potential value of $2.13 billion.
Deal Terms at a Glance
SciBrunch will receive a $400 million upfront payment, with the rest of the deal’s value tied to milestone payments linked to development, regulatory, and commercial progress across multiple cancer indications. The transaction has already closed, and Merck has said it will take a roughly $400 million pre-tax charge, about $0.13 per share, in its third-quarter 2026 results as a result. BofA Securities advised SciBrunch on the transaction.
What Is SPR2015?
SPR2015 is a molecular glue–based inhibitor, still in preclinical development, designed to selectively target tumor cells carrying the KRAS G12D mutation. It has shown nanomolar antiproliferative activity across a range of KRAS G12D-mutant cancer cell lines while largely sparing normal KRAS wild-type cells, an important distinction for a drug meant to hit tumors without excessive off-target effects. In preclinical testing, SPR2015 also demonstrated antitumor activity on its own in both cell-derived and patient-derived xenograft models, with the data presented earlier this year at the 2026 AACR Annual Meeting.
Why KRAS G12D Is a Big Deal in Oncology
KRAS mutations rank among the most frequent genetic drivers of human cancer, but for decades the protein was considered essentially “undruggable” due to its smooth surface and lack of an obvious binding pocket. That changed with the emergence of targeted therapies against KRAS G12C, which reached clinical use in recent years. G12D, however, remains a tougher and, in some ways, more consequential target; it’s the more prevalent KRAS mutation overall and shows up frequently in pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer, along with other solid tumors. A validated oral inhibitor for this subtype would fill a significant gap in precision oncology.
What the Companies Are Saying
George Addona, Merck Research Laboratories’ senior vice president for discovery, preclinical development, and translational medicine, said, “Evidence continues to accumulate for the therapeutic potential of targeting the KRAS pathway.” He went on to describe SPR2015 as a strong addition to Merck’s growing lineup of precision-targeted cancer treatments, calling it a potent inhibitor of one of KRAS’s most common mutant forms.
Tao Hu, SciBrunch’s founder, chairman, and CEO, framed the deal as validation of his company’s research and development platform, pointing to SPR2015’s potential to address a longstanding, unmet need in oncology. He also expressed confidence that Merck, as a global leader in oncology, is well positioned to carry the program forward.
About SciBrunch Therapeutics
Founded in late 2024 and headquartered in Shanghai, SciBrunch is a clinical-stage biotech built around small-molecule oncology research. It was co-founded by Tao Hu alongside medicinal chemist Dr. Yang Zhang, with a stated focus on turning clinically validated cancer targets into differentiated, globally competitive drug candidates.
What Happens Next
SPR2015 is still an early-stage, preclinical asset, meaning substantial testing lies ahead before its safety and efficacy in humans are known. Merck says it plans to advance the program using its global oncology development infrastructure, continuing a broader industry push to bring targeted KRAS therapies to patients with historically hard-to-treat cancers.
Read more on OncoDaily: Sarah Cannon Research Institute and Merck Collaborate to Expand Access to Oncology Clinical Trials
