Danish biotech Genmab is acquiring Netherland-based Merus for approximately $8 billion in an all-cash transaction, aiming to fully own Merus’ late-stage bispecific antibody petosemtamab, a promising candidate for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Petosemtamab has demonstrated encouraging overall survival and response rates in combination with Merck’s Keytruda in Phase 2 trials and holds two FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designations. The acquisition supports Genmab’s strategic shift towards wholly owned cancer therapies and aims to drive sustainable growth into the next decade.