Shanghai, September 2026: On September 28, MSD (known as Merck & Co. in the US and Canada) and Shanghai-based SciBrunch announced an exclusive global licensing agreement for SPR2015, an oral KRAS G12D (ON) inhibitor. It is one of the largest deals ever signed for a preclinical Chinese drug candidate.
The Deal at a Glance
- Upfront payment: US$400 million
- Total deal value: Up to US$2.13 billion, including development and commercial milestones
- Rights: Exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize SPR2015
- Status: The transaction has closed
Why KRAS G12D Matters
KRAS is one of the most common cancer-driving genes. In the G12D mutation, the KRAS protein gets stuck in an "ON" state and keeps telling cells to grow. According to SciBrunch, G12D is the most common cancer-causing RAS mutation in human tumors. It is found in about 38% of pancreatic cancers and 12% of colorectal cancers.
SPR2015 is a molecular glue designed to target the active ("ON") form of the mutant protein while sparing normal KRAS. At the AACR Annual Meeting in April 2026, SciBrunch presented preclinical data showing strong single-agent anti-tumor activity in multiple mouse models, with a focus on colorectal cancer. The company is planning development in colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.
Important: SPR2015 Is Not Yet Available to Patients
SPR2015 is still at the IND-enabling (preclinical) stage and has not yet been tested in humans. Patients cannot currently access this drug, either in China or elsewhere. It will need to go through Phase I and later trials before its real benefit in patients is known.
A Growing Wave of RAS-Targeted Therapies
The deal is part of a fast-moving field:
- Daraxonrasib (Revolution Medicines), a RAS(ON) inhibitor, received FDA approval on August 26, 2026 for previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer. It is the world's first approved drug in this class.
- Zoldonrasib, a G12D-selective drug from the same platform, is in a Phase III trial (RASolute 305) for first-line G12D-mutant metastatic pancreatic cancer.
- GFH375 (GenFleet, China), a KRAS G12D inhibitor, is being studied in colorectal cancer in combination with the EGFR antibody cetuximab. New data is expected at ESMO in October 2026.
Colorectal cancer remains the hardest area. When KRAS is blocked, colorectal tumors often switch on EGFR signaling to escape, which is why combination strategies are being explored.
Why This Matters: Shanghai as an Innovation Hub
SciBrunch was founded only in late 2024 in Pudong, Shanghai. That a global pharma leader paid US$400 million upfront for its molecule shows how quickly China, and Shanghai in particular, has become a source of cutting-edge cancer drugs. For international patients, it also means that many novel therapies are entering clinical trials in China early, sometimes before they are available elsewhere.
What KRAS G12D Patients Can Do Today
If you or a family member has pancreatic, colorectal or lung cancer with a KRAS G12D mutation, practical steps include:
- Confirming your mutation status with complete genetic testing reports
- Reviewing standard treatment options with an experienced oncologist
- Exploring whether you may be eligible for clinical trials of KRAS-targeted therapies in China
- Getting a second opinion from a top specialist in Shanghai
CMCS is a medical concierge and health management company, not a hospital. We help international patients connect with leading specialists in Shanghai, prepare their medical records, and understand available options, including clinical trials where appropriate. Trial eligibility is always decided by the treating doctors and trial investigators.
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Sources: MSD (merck.com) and SciBrunch (scibrunch.com) public announcements; public media reports. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. CMCS has no affiliation with MSD or SciBrunch.
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