Merck Gets $700 Million from Blackstone Life Sciences for Development of Cancer Drug

By Nicholas G. Miller

Blackstone Life Sciences agreed to give Merck $700 million to support its development of an investigational cancer drug called sacituzumab tirumotecan in exchange for low-to-mid-single-digit royalties on the drug.

Merck is currently evaluating the drug in 15 phase three clinical trials spanning six tumor types, including breast, endometrial and lung cancers.

The $700 million will fund a portion of the development costs for the drug expected to be incurred throughout 2026. The agreement makes Blackstone eligible for royalties on net sales of the drug across all approved indications, contingent upon receipt of regulatory approval in the U.S. for first-line treatment of triple-negative-breast cancer.

Merck will retain decision-making authority and control over the development, manufacturing and commercialization of the drug.

Write to Nicholas G. Miller at [e-mail].

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

11-04-25 0735ET