Gilead outlays $5bn to acquire ADC specialist Tubulis

https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/news/gilead-outlays-5bn-to-acquire-adc-specialist-tubulis/

Publish Date: 2026-04-07 10:49:00

Source Domain: www.pharmaceutical-technology.com

The Tubulis acquisition represents another major expansion into the ADC market made by Gilead in the past decade. Credit: Sundry Photography/Shutterstock.com.

Gilead will acquire antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) developer Tubulis in a deal worth up to $5bn, continuing the big pharma company’s recent string of high-profile M&A activity in 2026.

As per the agreement, Gilead will pay $3.15bn upfront and up to $1.85bn in milestones to buy the German biotech. Following the transaction’s close, set for Q2 2026, Tubulis will become an ADC research organisation within Gilead.

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Tubulis’ catalogue of drugs is headed by TUB-040, a NaPi2b-directed topoisomerase-I inhibitor (TOPO1i) ADC that is currently in Phase Ib/II trials for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The asset produced positive safety and efficacy results in the former indication in early data shared in October 2025. Gilead will also acquire TUB-030, a 5T4 targeted ADC for solid tumour treatment, as well as other assets that are being developed for undisclosed cancer indications.

Gilead’s CEO Daniel O’Day said: “The agreement to acquire Tubulis is a significant milestone in Gilead’s progress in oncology. The company brings a clinical-stage candidate that is a potential new treatment for ovarian cancer, as well as a…

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