Merck to buy Terns Pharmaceuticals for $6.7 billion to boost cancer pipeline Merck announced on Wednesday that it will acquire U.S. biotech firm Terns Pharmaceuticals for $6.7 billion, marking the third major acquisition the company has made in the past year. The deal involves Merck purchasing Terns at $53 per share in cash, valuing the company at approximately $6.7 billion. This represents a 6% premium over Terns’ closing stock price on Tuesday, according to CNBC’s calculations. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of the year. The acquisition is part of Merck’s strategy to strengthen its portfolio as its top-selling cancer drug, Keytruda, faces the loss of patent protection in 2028. Terns is developing a potential treatment for a specific type of leukemia, which analysts believe could become a multibillion-dollar drug. The therapy is positioned to compete with Novartis’ Scemblix, a currently successful treatment for the same condition. Terns’ stock has experienced significant growth in recent months, driven by investor optimism surrounding its experimental drug. The medication showed promising results in an early trial conducted late last year, fueling market speculation. On Wednesday, Terns shares surged as much as 15% in early trading after media reports indicated the companies were nearing a deal. The stock had already risen over 5.3% in premarket trading, reflecting heightened investor interest. Terns’ stock has also seen a substantial increase over the past year, underscoring the market’s confidence in its pipeline. The acquisition underscores Merck’s commitment to expanding its oncology offerings amid the impending patent expiration of Keytruda, which has been a cornerstone of its revenue for years.#novartis #merck #terns_pharmaceuticals #keytruda #scemblix
Sun Pharma, Dr. Reddy’s, Zydus, Glenmark roll out generic Semaglutide Sun Pharmaceutical, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Zydus Life Sciences, and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals launched generic versions of Semaglutide on March 21, 2026, following the expiration of the patent for the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s diabetes and weight loss drugs, Wegovy and Ozempic, in India. This marked the entry of several pharmaceutical companies into the market, with Natco Pharma and its partner Eris Lifesciences having already announced their product availability on March 20, the day before the patent expired. The move is expected to open up a $1 billion market for Semaglutide in India over the next few years, driven by the growing prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes. The companies are positioning their generic versions as cost-effective alternatives to the branded drugs, which are typically priced much higher. Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories introduced its Semaglutide injection, branded as Obeda, in 2 mg and 4 mg strengths. The product is available in a pre-filled, disposable pen for once-a-week subcutaneous administration, with a monthly cost of ₹4,200 for both strengths. The company’s leadership team highlighted the product’s user-friendly design and its potential for approval for weight management in the near future. Sun Pharmaceutical launched its Semaglutide injections under the brand names Noveltreat and Sematrinity. Noveltreat, intended for chronic weight management, ranges from ₹900 to ₹2,000 per month, while Sematrinity, for type 2 diabetes, costs between ₹750 and ₹1,300. Zydus Life Sciences introduced Semaglutide under the brands Semaglyn, Mashema, and Alterme, with an average monthly cost of ₹2,200.#novartis #sun_pharma #dr_reddy_s_laboratories #zydus_life_sciences #glenmark_pharmaceuticals
Accenture Expands AI Faculty with Acquisition of UK-Based Firm Accenture has announced the acquisition of UK-based AI firm Faculty, a move that enhances its capabilities in delivering company transformation services through advanced technology and expertise. The acquisition, which was finalized with an undisclosed financial agreement, is expected to position Accenture as a leader in helping clients adopt AI solutions effectively. Accenture’s CEO, Julie Sweet, highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition, emphasizing that it strengthens the company’s ability to provide critical technology and expertise required to capitalize on AI advancements. She noted that the integration of Faculty’s capabilities will enable Accenture to offer more tailored solutions to its clients, particularly in areas where AI implementation is complex and requires specialized knowledge. A key aspect of the deal is the appointment of Dr. Marc Warner, Faculty’s co-founder and CEO, as Accenture’s Chief Technology Officer and a member of its Global Management Committee. Warner, who has been instrumental in developing Faculty’s AI technologies, will play a pivotal role in shaping Accenture’s future strategies in the AI space. The acquisition also includes the integration of over 400 “AI-native professionals” from Faculty, including highly qualified data scientists and engineers. Accenture described the team as “PhD-heavy,” with expertise in developing AI systems for both public and private-sector organizations across the UK and globally. This influx of talent is expected to bolster Accenture’s research and development efforts, enabling the company to address a broader range of AI challenges. Faculty’s flagship product, Frontier, is a unified system that connects data, AI models, and business processes to streamline decision-making.#accenture #julie_sweet #faculty #dr_marc_warner #novartis
