Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-11-04 12:58Core Insights - Merck has initiated a rare financing move by securing $700 million from Blackstone for the global development of sac-TMT, a promising ADC drug, indicating the company's strong commitment to this asset [1][4][5] Group 1: Financing and Strategic Importance - The financing agreement allows Merck to retain control over the development, production, and commercialization of sac-TMT while leveraging future revenue rights [1] - This financing elevates the importance of sac-TMT within Merck's pipeline, especially as the company faces the impending patent cliff of its blockbuster drug Keytruda [4][5] Group 2: Clinical Development and Market Potential - Merck is conducting 15 global Phase III clinical trials for sac-TMT across various cancer types, including lung, breast, and gastric cancers, showcasing its extensive development strategy [5] - The upcoming release of nine Phase III trial data between 2027 and 2029 is expected to validate sac-TMT's potential in the global market, solidifying its role as a cornerstone in Merck's oncology portfolio [5] Group 3: Blackstone's Investment Insight - Blackstone's investment reflects its strategic vision in the biopharmaceutical sector, drawing parallels to its previous successful investments, such as the siRNA therapy that became a core asset for Novartis [6] - The collaboration with Merck highlights Blackstone's recognition of sac-TMT's potential and its willingness to support the acceleration of its global development [6]