Merck in Strategic Talks to Acquire Revolution Medicines, Financial Times Reports
In a major potential shift within the oncology landscape, Merck & Co. (MSD) is reportedly in advanced discussions to acquire Revolution Medicines Inc., a clinical-stage oncology company specializing in targeted therapies for RAS-addicted cancers. According to the Financial Times, the deal is estimated to be valued between $28 billion and $32 billion.
Expanding the Oncology Portfolio: The Value of RAS Inhibitors
Revolution Medicines has gained significant industry attention due to its focus on the RAS signaling pathway, one of the most common drivers of human cancer. Key factors driving Merck's interest include:
- RMC-6236 (RASMULTI): A potential first-in-class multi-RAS inhibitor currently showing promising results in clinical trials for pancreatic and lung cancers.
- Pipeline Synergy: Merck is looking to diversify its revenue streams as the patent protection for its blockbuster immunotherapy, Keytruda, nears its end later this decade.
- Strategic Dominance: Acquiring Revolution Medicines would solidify Merck’s position as a leader in precision oncology and targeted covalent inhibitors.
Current market valuation: ~$18.8 billion.
Proposed acquisition price: $28B - $32B.
Other suitors, including AbbVie Inc., are rumored to be monitoring the biotech for a possible counter-offer.
A Competitive Bidding Environment
While Merck is currently the frontrunner, sources indicate that no final agreement has been reached. The Wall Street Journal previously highlighted AbbVie as a primary contender, suggesting that a bidding war could emerge. The FT report suggests that a finalized tie-up between Merck and Revolution Medicines could still be several weeks away, as due diligence and valuation negotiations continue.
Implications for Global Drug Discovery
For organizations like ChemDiv and other global R&D partners, this potential multi-billion dollar deal underscores the immense value of specialized clinical-stage assets in the oncology sector. The move reflects a broader industry trend where "Big Pharma" aggressively pursues biotech firms with validated platforms in difficult-to-treat cancer pathways.
If successful, this acquisition would represent one of the largest biopharma transactions of 2026, further accelerating the development of next-generation RAS-targeted medicines for patients worldwide.
As of this report, Merck and Revolution Medicines have not provided official comments regarding the ongoing negotiations.
