Gilead eyes Kymera’s ‘adhesive’ cancer drug in $750m deal
Kymera’s programme focuses on removing CDK2 from cells compared to other therapies that target the protein’s inhibition. CDK2 play a key role in tumour growth, with its dysregulation in cancer leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation via cell cycle progression.
Fresh off a regulatory victory for a new HIV product, Gilead is shifting focus to the oncology space – signing a deal worth up to $750m to license a solid tumour treatment candidate from Kymera Therapeutics.
The deal sees Gilead agree to an exclusive option and licence deal for US-based Kymera’s molecular glue degrader (MGD) programme.
The transaction is weighted towards milestone payments, with Kymera set to receive $85m upfront. The remainder will depend on option exercise payments, along with tiered royalties on sales from any approved products borne from programmes in the future.
MGDs class drugs that act as molecular adhesives, enabling targeted degradation of a protein. Kymera’s drugs are designed to selectively eliminate cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) proteins.
CDK2 play a key role in tumour growth, with its dysregulation in cancer leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation via cell cycle progression. The protein is a promising target for cancer therapies in development. AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and Incyte all have candidates in trials that inhibit CDK2.
Kymera believes that eliminating, rather than inhibiting, the protein from cells via its MGD drugs could lead to more precise, safe and effective treatments for cancers. The biotech suggests this approach gives its assets an edge over traditional CDK2 inhibitors.
Gilead and Kymera stated that the CDK2 programme has broad oncology treatment potential, specifically highlighting breast cancer and other solid tumours. However, the company is not alone in the CDK2 adhesive field – Monte Rosa Therapeutics reported mixed clinical results for two of its MGD candidates in March 2025.
