Terns Pharmaceuticals Acquired by Merck — Healthcare M&A

Merck has announced an agreement to acquire Terns Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company focused on hematology, in a strategic merger. The deal is designed to broaden Merck’s hematology pipeline, with Terns’ lead asset TERN-701 highlighted as a novel candidate for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Financial terms were not disclosed.

Terns Pharmaceuticals develops targeted therapies aimed at improving outcomes in blood cancers, and the acquisition adds to Merck’s efforts to strengthen its presence in oncology and hematology. CML remains a significant treatment area within hematologic malignancies, and Merck’s interest reflects ongoing competition to advance differentiated mechanisms and next-generation options for patients. For Merck, bringing TERN-701 into its portfolio supports pipeline expansion and potential future development in a market where innovation and durability of response are key differentiators.

The announcement does not specify deal value or other commercial terms. Details on regulatory review, closing conditions, and timing were not provided in the available information.