Gilead Sciences, Inc. will acquire Tubulis GmbH for $3.15B upfront to expand its oncology pipeline with next-generation ADCs, including Phase 1b/2 candidate TUB-040 and early-stage TUB-030.
Written By: Chikkula Pavan Kumar, PharmD
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
Gilead Sciences, Inc. announced a definitive agreement to acquire Tubulis GmbH, a Germany-based clinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). The acquisition adds clinical-stage ADC assets and proprietary conjugation platforms designed to improve targeted payload delivery across multiple tumor types.
Tubulis’ lead candidate, TUB-040, is a NaPi2b-directed topoisomerase-I inhibitor ADC currently in Phase 1b/2 development for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. The transaction also includes TUB-030, a 5T4-targeted ADC that has shown early clinical activity across several solid tumors. These programs are expected to complement Gilead’s existing oncology development and commercialization capabilities while expanding its ADC pipeline.
Strategic Expansion of ADC Capabilities
The acquisition provides Gilead with next-generation ADC platforms designed to more selectively deliver diverse payloads to tumor cells. Tubulis’ technologies support multiple payload classes and tumor targets, offering potential applications across a broad range of solid tumors. Following closing, Tubulis will operate as a dedicated ADC research organization within Gilead, with its Munich site serving as a hub for ADC discovery, manufacturing, and clinical development.
Leadership Commentary
Daniel O’Day Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Gilead Sciences stated that the agreement marks a milestone in Gilead’s oncology strategy, highlighting the addition of a clinical-stage ovarian cancer candidate, a next-generation ADC platform, and an early pipeline developed through a two-year collaboration between the companies.
Dominik Schumacher PhD, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Tubulis noted that Tubulis’ conjugation technology was designed to broadly impact the ADC field and that early TUB-040 data supported this approach. He added that integration with Gilead is expected to accelerate development of the ADC pipeline using Gilead’s global development and commercialization infrastructure.
Transaction Details
Under the agreement, Gilead will acquire all outstanding equity of Tubulis for $3.15 billion in upfront cash consideration, payable at closing, with up to $1.85 billion in additional contingent milestone payments. The transaction is structured on a cash-free, debt-free basis and remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026. Gilead plans to finance the acquisition using a combination of cash on hand and senior unsecured notes.
Reference
Gilead to Acquire Tubulis Adding Potentially Best-In-Class Antibody-Drug Conjugate and Next Generation Platform to Further Strengthen Oncology Pipeline, 07 April 2026, https://tubulis.com/news/gilead-to-acquire-tubulis-adding-potentially-best-in-class-antibody-drug-conjugate-and-next-generation-platform-to-further-strengthen-oncology-pipeline/
About the Writer
Chikkula Pavan Kumar, PharmD is a Doctor of Pharmacy with a keen interest in clinical pharmacy, pharmacovigilance, and evidence-based practice. In his words, he is passionate about patient safety and translating complex medical information into clear, research-driven communication
