Merck Nears Deal to Buy Terns Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. is finalizing a deal to acquire Terns Pharmaceuticals, a biotech firm specializing in liver and oncology treatments, according to insiders. The acquisition talks are in advanced stages, with an official announcement potentially coming as early as Wednesday, per unnamed sources close to the negotiations. Terns Pharmaceuticals, a publicly traded company, focuses on developing therapies for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cancer, aligning with Merck’s strategic pipeline expansion. The deal underscores Merck’s push to bolster its drug portfolio through targeted acquisitions, particularly in high-growth therapeutic areas like liver disease and oncology. Financial terms remain undisclosed, but the transaction reflects Merck’s aggressive M&A strategy to maintain its dominance in the pharmaceutical industry.