Merck licenses SciBrunch’s SPR2015, a preclinical oral KRAS G12D (ON) molecular glue inhibitor, in a deal valued at up to $2.13 billion.
Written by: Mayuresh Salvi, PharmD
Reviewed by: Pharmacally Editorial Team
Merck has entered into an exclusive global license agreement with SciBrunch Therapeutics Co., Ltd. for SPR2015, an investigational oral molecular glue inhibitor targeting KRAS G12D in its active (ON) state. Under the agreement, Merck will obtain exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize the preclinical candidate. SciBrunch is eligible to receive up to $2.13 billion in total potential transaction value, including a $400 million upfront payment.
$400 Million Upfront Payment
Merck and SciBrunch announced the agreement on September 28, 2026. Under the terms, SciBrunch will receive a $400 million upfront payment and is eligible for additional payments associated with development, commercialization and other activities across multiple indications.
The transaction has closed, with the total potential aggregate value reaching $2.13 billion, including the upfront payment. The $2.13 billion figure represents the maximum potential transaction value and is not an upfront payment. The companies did not disclose the individual milestone amounts underlying the potential additional consideration.
Merck said it will record a $400 million pre-tax charge, or approximately $0.13 per share, in its third-quarter 2026 results. The charge will be included in both generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and non-GAAP results.
BofA Securities acted as exclusive financial advisor to SciBrunch in connection with the transaction.
SPR2015 Targets KRAS G12D (ON)
SPR2015 is described by Merck and SciBrunch as a potent, selective and novel investigational preclinical molecular glue inhibitor of KRAS G12D in its “ON” state. The candidate is administered orally.
KRAS is a protein involved in signaling pathways that regulate cell proliferation and survival. KRAS G12D refers to a specific mutation in which glycine is replaced by aspartate at position 12. According to the companies, this alteration leaves KRAS active and continuously signaling for cell proliferation and survival. KRAS G12D is identified as the most common oncogenic RAS mutation in human tumors.
In this context, “ON” refers to the active state of KRAS. SPR2015 is designed to target KRAS G12D in this state. The announcement does not provide further mechanistic details on the molecular interactions responsible for the candidate’s activity.
Preclinical Activity
According to Merck and SciBrunch, SPR2015 demonstrated nanomolar antiproliferative activity across various KRAS G12D-mutant cell lines while maintaining selectivity over KRAS wild-type cells.
The companies also reported antitumor efficacy with SPR2015 as a monotherapy across multiple cell-derived xenograft (CDX) and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. These preclinical findings were presented at the 2026 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).
The announcement does not provide detailed numerical results for individual models, exposure measurements, dose-response relationships or preclinical safety findings. Therefore, the reported nanomolar activity and xenograft efficacy should be considered within the limited preclinical dataset disclosed by the companies and should not be interpreted as evidence of clinical benefit.
Global Development Rights
Under the agreement, SciBrunch has granted Merck exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize SPR2015.
The agreement gives Merck exclusive rights to advance the candidate globally, while SciBrunch remains eligible for specified milestone payments tied to development, commercialization and other activities.
George Addona, senior vice president of discovery, preclinical development and translational medicine at Merck Research Laboratories, said the agreement complements and diversifies Merck’s precision-targeted pipeline with SPR2015.
SciBrunch founder, chairman and chief executive officer Tao Hu said the company remains focused on therapies targeting the RAS pathway and cited pancreatic, colorectal, lung and other major malignant tumors in describing its broader development efforts. The announcement does not identify these cancers as confirmed first indications for SPR2015.
What Comes Next for SPR2015?
SPR2015 remains an investigational preclinical program. The evidence disclosed in the announcement consists of cell-based and xenograft findings, with no human efficacy, clinical safety or human pharmacokinetic data reported.
The announcement also does not establish a clinical development timeline or identify the first indication in which SPR2015 will be evaluated. Further development will be required to determine whether the preclinical activity reported for the candidate can translate into clinical findings in patients with KRAS G12D-mutant cancers.
At this stage, the available evidence supports characterization of SPR2015 as a preclinical KRAS G12D (ON) program rather than a clinically validated therapy.
SciBrunch, founded in late 2024 and headquartered in Shanghai, focuses on small-molecule oncology therapeutics and applies product-design strategies around clinically validated targets.
Reference
Merck Enters into Exclusive Global License Agreement with SciBrunch Therapeutics for SPR2015, an Investigational Oral KRAS G12D (ON) Inhibitor, Merck, 28 September 2026
SciBrunch Therapeutics Enters into Exclusive Global License Agreement with MSD for SPR2015, an Investigational Oral KRAS G12D (ON) Inhibitor, SciBrunch Therapeutics, 28 September 2026
About the Writer
Mayuresh Sunil Salvi (Linkedin) is a PharmD professional and healthcare writer with a strong interest in pharmacovigilance, drug safety, and emerging medical research. He is passionate about exploring new drug discoveries, clinical research, and advances in evidence-based medicine. His interests also include ward rounds, prescription audits, and treatment analysis to support rational pharmacotherapy and improved patient care.