Words by Isabel O’Brien
Merck has acquired Modifi Biosciences, a Connecticut-based biotech, for up to $1.3bn. The acquisition strengthens Merck’s oncology portfolio as the company looks to offset revenue losses from the expiration of the patent for its cancer drug pembrolizumab.
Modifi is a pre-clinical stage company that develops therapies targeting difficult-to-treat brain tumours, including glioblastomas. These therapies work by modifying cancer DNA to selectively destroy tumour cells. Merck will pay $30m upfront, with the potential for further milestone payments based on progress.
“In founding Modifi Biosciences, we sought to radically change the oncology treatment paradigm for cancer patients with glioblastoma and other tumours,” said Ranjit S. Bindra, Co-founder, Modifi Biosciences, and Professor, Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine. “We are honoured to have Merck recognise the potential of our science, and as an oncology company, they are perfectly positioned to advance our innovations through clinical trials and commercialisation.”
The deal centres on KL-50, a new class of treatment aimed at brain tumours. These tumours are particularly challenging to treat due to the blood-brain barrier and their resistance to existing treatments.
Merck’s acquisition is part of its broader strategy to build its oncology pipeline. Last year, the company struck a $5.5bn collaboration with Japan’s Daiichi Sankyo to develop targeted cancer therapies, underscoring its commitment to maintaining a strong presence in oncology. The pembrolizumab patent will expire in the US on 13 June 2028.
“DNA repair defects are a frequent hallmark of tumour cells and a major cause of resistance to cancer therapy,” said Dr David Weinstock, Vice President, Discovery Oncology, Merck Research Laboratories. “The talented Modifi Biosciences team has developed an innovative approach that we believe has potential for treating some of the most refractory cancer types.”
