Kymera has entered a new partnership with Gilead Sciences on a novel cancer therapy focused on a molecular glue degrader (MGD) targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), with a deal value up to $750 million. This includes an $85 million upfront payment and additional milestone payments and royalties based on future sales if Gilead exercises its option to license and commercialize the asset134.
Simultaneously, Kymera's prior major partnership with Sanofi has shifted trajectory. The original 2020 deal had included $150 million upfront and over $2 billion in potential milestones, but Sanofi is now altering its engagement, opting to continue with a different protein degrader program focused on immune-mediated diseases, rather than oncology235.
Kymera will lead research on the CDK2 program, with Gilead retaining an exclusive license option. If exercised, Gilead will take over development and commercialization for this cancer therapy3.
Kymera's molecular glue degrader drugs act by “gluing” proteins for targeted degradation, offering a potentially more precise approach than standard inhibitors—an area also being pursued by other major biopharmas like AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and Incyte1.
Under the Gilead deal, Kymera will receive tiered royalties ranging from high-single-digit to mid-teens percentages on future net sales if products come to market3.
Sources:
1. https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/news/gilead-eyes-kymeras-adhesive-cancer-drug-in-750m-deal/
2. https://www.bioworld.com/articles/721490-kymera-brings-on-gilead-as-partner-while-sanofi-alters-deal
3. https://www.biospace.com/business/sanofi-gilead-deepen-protein-degrader-pipelines-in-separate-deals-with-kymera
4. https://pharmaphorum.com/news/kymera-signs-750m-cancer-deal-gilead-sanofi-opts
5. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/06/25/3104958/0/en/kymera-therapeutics-announces-sanofi-irak4-collaboration-update.html