Lung cancer is still one the most challenging oncological diseases, with approximately 2.2 million new cases diagnosed globally each year. This alarming figure has contributed to intensify the pharmaceutical industry investment in looking for effective treatments, resulting in groundbreaking deals that demonstrate both the commercial potential and therapeutic necessity of such drugs. These strategic transactions reflect the industry’s commitment to addressing lung cancer while aligning companies for significant market opportunities:
- Bristol Myers Squibb’s Acquisition of Mirati Therapeutics (2023) — This acquisition strengthened BMS’s position in targeted lung cancer therapies, particularly through adagrasib, a KRASG12C inhibitor targeting mutations found in approximately 13% of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients. The deal was revolutionary because KRAS was historically considered “undruggable,” making this breakthrough significant for treatment-resistant cases[1].
- Merck’s Acquisition of Harpoon Therapeutics (2024) — This represented one of the most strategically significant lung cancer deals of 2024. Announced in January and completed in March 2024, Merck acquired the clinical-stage immunotherapy company for $680 million ($23.00 per share in cash). The centrepiece of this acquisition was HPN328 (now MK-6070), a T-cell engager targeting delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3), an inhibitory canonical Notch ligand expressed at high levels in Small-Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and neuroendocrine tumours[2].
- GSK’s B7-H3 ADC Program – GSK’227 (2023) — GSK achieved a major regulatory milestone in August 2024 when the FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for GSK’227, its investigational B7-H3-targeted antibody-drug conjugate for extensive-stage SCLC. This designation was based on promising early clinical evidence from the ARTEMIS-001 Phase 1 trial conducted by Hansoh Pharma[3].
- Novartis’s Strategic Acquisitions in Lung Cancer (2024) — In 2024, Novartis strengthened its lung cancer portfolio with two key deals. It acquired Mariana Oncology for $1 billion upfront, gaining radioligand therapies like MC-339 for SCLC. This expanded Novartis’s precision radioligand platform beyond existing therapies[4]. Additionally, Novartis secured global rights to Legend’s CAR-T therapy LB2102, targeting DLL3, with a $100 million upfront payment and up to $1.01 billion in milestones. LB2102 received FDA orphan drug status and is in Phase I trials[5].
These transactions demonstrate how companies are diversifying therapeutic approaches, addressing lung cancer’s heterogeneity. There is particular focus on historically difficult-to-treat populations, especially SCLC, which has traditionally shown only 3% five-year survival rates. The convergence of innovative mechanisms, substantial financial investment, and global commercial expertise positions these therapies to potentially transform lung cancer treatment. These deals reflect not just commercial opportunity but genuine commitment to addressing one of oncology’s most challenging diseases.
[1] James, D. (2024, February 22). BristOL Myers Squibb completes acquisition of Mirati to bolster oncology pipeline. PharmExec. https://www.pharmexec.com/view/bristol-myers-squibb-completes-acquisition-of-mirati-to-bolster-oncology-pipeline
[2] Merck to acquire Harpoon Therapeutics, further diversifying oncology pipeline – Merck.com. (2025, July 13). Merck.com. https://www.merck.com/news/merck-to-acquire-harpoon-therapeutics-further-diversifying-oncology-pipeline/
[3] GSK receives US FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for its B7-H3-targeted antibody-drug conjugate in relapsed or refractory extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer | GSK. (2024, August 20). https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/gsk-receives-us-fda-breakthrough-therapy-designation/
[4] Husni, D. G. (2024, May 3). Novartis agrees to acquire Mariana Oncology for $1 billion, gains small lung cancer candidate. BioPharm International. https://www.biopharminternational.com/view/novartis-agrees-to-acquire-mariana-oncology-for-1-billion-gains-small-lung-cancer-candidate
[5] Jirehl. (2023, November 20). jirehl. https://thehealthcaretechnologyreport.com/novartis-secures-exclusive-global-rights-for-treatment-targeting-small-cell-lung-cancer/