Merck nears $6B deal to buy Terns Pharma, boosting cancer drug pipeline ahead of Keytruda patent loss

Merck is close to acquiring Terns Pharmaceuticals for about $6 billion to strengthen its cancer treatment portfolio as its top drug, Keytruda, faces patent expiration starting in 2028. Terns is developing a promising treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia that could offset future revenue losses from Keytruda's patent cliff. This acquisition aligns with Merck's strategy to secure growth amid $320 billion in industry-wide patent losses by 2030. The deal could close within days, signaling Merck's commitment to expanding its oncology pipeline and innovation efforts, including AI-driven drug discovery partnerships.