Merck to Acquire Tilos Therapeutics

Merck Gains Portfolio of Investigational Antibodies Modulating TGFβ

On Jun 10, 2019

Kenilworth-based Merck entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Tilos Therapeutics, a privately held biopharmaceutical company, for up to $773 million. Tilos develops therapeutics targeting the latent TGFβ complex for the treatment of cancer, fibrosis and autoimmune diseases.

“At Merck we continue to enhance our robust pipeline through active execution of our business development strategy,” said Dr. Dean Li, senior vice president, discovery and translational medicine, Merck Research Laboratories. “Tilos has developed a compelling portfolio of candidates that employ a novel approach to modulating the potent signaling molecule TGFβ by binding to latency-associated peptide, with potential applications across a range of disease indications.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Merck, through a subsidiary, will acquire all outstanding shares of Tilos for total potential consideration of up to $773 million, including an upfront payment as well as contingent milestone payments.

“We are proud that the Tilos team has advanced the discoveries of our scientific founders by developing a portfolio of anti-LAP antibodies designed to realize the full potential of TGFβ-modulating therapeutics,” said Dr. Barbara Fox, CEO, Tilos. “This agreement with Merck, an industry leader in biopharmaceutical research and development, provides meaningful validation for our therapeutic approach and best positions our pipeline for broad clinical and commercial success.”

Tilos was founded by Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund and Partners Innovation Fund, based on discoveries by the laboratory of Dr. Howard Weiner at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Additional investment was provided by ShangPharma Innovation Fund.

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