Merck braces for Keytruda patent loss with $6.7 billion Terns bet

Merck is acquiring Terns Pharma for $6.7 billion to strengthen its cancer drug pipeline, aiming to reduce reliance on its blockbuster Keytruda ahead of patent expiry. The deal includes Terns' experimental leukemia drug, TERN-701, showing promising early results. Merck also seeks therapies for obesity and liver diseases, signaling a strategic expansion beyond its top-selling medication.