Merck (MSD), through a subsidiary, will acquire cancer drug developer Imago BioSciences for approximately $1.35 billion, in a push to expand its hematology portfolio.
The deal gives Merck California-based Imago's lead candidate, bomedemstat, which is currently in mid-stage studies for treating certain types of rare blood cancers. Bomedemstat (IMG-7289) is an orally available lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) inhibitor.
Merck is working to grow its drug portfolio as blockbuster cancer immunotherapy Keytruda edges closer to its 2028 patent cliff. Last Sept., Merck announced that it was laying down a whopping $11.5 billion to pick up Massachusetts-based Acceleron Pharma and its portfolio of rare disease drugs.
