Merck Nears $6 Billion Deal To Buy Terns Pharma: Report

Merck & Co. Inc. is nearing a $6 billion all-cash acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals, aimed at enhancing its oncology pipeline ahead of the impending patent expiration of its top-selling drug, Keytruda, which generates approximately $30 billion annually. The deal could close within days and is part of Merck's strategy to mitigate potential revenue losses from patent expirations in the pharmaceutical industry. Terns is developing a treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia, with late-stage trials expected by late 2026 or early 2027, potentially competing with Novartis' Scemblix.