Key Takeaways
- Gilead and Kymera target CDK2 in solid tumors: The partnership focuses on developing oral molecular glue degraders (MGDs) that selectively degrade CDK2, a protein linked to tumor growth in breast and other solid cancers.
- First disclosed molecular glue program from Kymera: The collaboration marks the debut of Kymera’s MGD platform, with preclinical data showing strong potential for transforming treatment in high-unmet-need oncology settings.
- Deal structure includes $750M in milestones: Kymera may receive up to $750 million, including $85 million upfront, plus tiered royalties, while Gilead gains exclusive global rights if the option is exercised.
Gilead announced that it has entered into an exclusive option and license agreement with Kymera Therapeutics to develop and potentially commercialize a novel class of oral molecular glue degraders (MGDs) targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) for the treatment of breast cancer and other solid tumors. According to Gilead, the collaboration marks Kymera’s first disclosed molecular glue program.
Under the terms of the deal, Kymera is eligible to receive up to $750 million, including $85 million in upfront and potential option payments, plus tiered royalties on future sales. If Gilead exercises its licensing option, it will assume full responsibility for global development, manufacturing, and commercialization. The deal is expected to reduce Gilead’s 2025 GAAP and non-GAAP EPS by approximately $0.02–$0.03.1
What Differentiates Gilead and Kymera’s CDK2 Degrader Strategy?
“MGDs are opening exciting new possibilities in cancer research by offering a way to eliminate disease-driving proteins rather than just blocking them,” said Flavius Martin, MD, EVP, research, Gilead Sciences, in a press release. “This mechanism aligns within our oncology scientific framework where we evaluate therapeutic agents that selectively target and kill cancer cells with minimal impact on healthy tissue. We are delighted to partner with Kymera to advance this novel oral program with the potential to drive meaningful improvements in the standard of care for patients living with breast cancer and other cancers that are inadequately served with existing therapies.”
Gilead Expands Deal Activity in 2025
This isn’t the first deal of the year for Gilead. In January, the company announced that it had agreed to terms with LEO Pharma on a strategic partnership to accelerate the development and commercialization of STAT6, LEO’s small-molecule oral program for treating patients with inflammatory diseases. Under terms of the deal, Gilead will acquire preclinical oral STAT6 small molecule inhibitors, targeted protein degraders, and lead development.2
How Do Molecular Glue Degraders Work?
According to Gilead, CDK2-targeting MGDs represent an emerging class of therapies that work by eliminating the CDK2 protein—an important driver of tumor growth—instead of simply blocking its activity. Unlike traditional CDK2 inhibitors, which can affect other related proteins and lead to off-target adverse effects, MGDs aim to selectively degrade CDK2, offering the potential for more targeted, safer, and more effective cancer treatments, Gilead noted in the press release.1
MGDs are small, monofunctional compounds that stabilize or induce novel protein–protein interactions between a disease-driving protein and an E3 ubiquitin ligase. This initiates ubiquitination of the disease-driving protein target and leads to its degradation by the proteasome.3 According to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, MGDs have typically been discovered serendipitously. However, efforts are underway to enable rational discovery through structure-based design, high-throughput screening, and proteomics.4
“We are excited to announce this strategic collaboration with Gilead Sciences, highlighting our dedication to innovation in the field with our first disclosed molecular glue program,” said Nello Mainolfi, PhD, founder, president, CEO, Kymera Therapeutics, in the press release. “We are committed to developing highly selective, potent, oral degrader medicines that address key disease-causing proteins and pathways that are undrugged or inadequately drugged by existing technologies. Our highly specific, orally active, CDK2 molecular glue degraders have demonstrated a compelling preclinical profile and have the potential to transform the therapeutic landscape for breast cancer patients and other tumor types with high unmet medical need. We are excited to work with the talented Gilead team to accelerate the development and commercialization of this important program.”
References
- Gilead Sciences and Kymera Therapeutics Enter Into Exclusive Option and License Agreement to Develop Novel Oral Molecular Glue CDK2 Degraders. Gilead. June 25, 2025. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://www.gilead.com/news/news-details/2025/gilead-sciences-and-kymera-therapeutics-enter-into-exclusive-option-and-license-agreement-to-develop-novel-oral-molecular-glue-cdk2-degraders
- Flurry of Acquisitions and Licensing Deals Come Amid JP Morgan Healthcare Conference 2025. PharmExec. January 13, 2025. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://www.pharmexec.com/view/flurry-acquisitions-licensing-deals-come-amid-jp-morgan-healthcare-conference-2025
- The CDK inhibitor CR8 acts as a molecular glue degrader that depletes cyclin K. PubMed. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7486275/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Targeted protein degradation: mechanisms, strategies and application. PubMed. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8977435/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
