Topline Findings
- Strategic Collaboration: Skyhawk Therapeutics partners with Merck KGaA to leverage the SkySTAR platform to discover RNA-targeting small molecules for neurological disorders.
- Pipeline Expansion: The deal positions Merck KGaA to strengthen its neurology and RNA-focused portfolio, following the recent acquisition of SpringWorks Therapeutics.
- Financial Potential: Skyhawk is eligible for up to $2 billion in milestone and royalty payments, highlighting the commercial value of RNA-modulation therapies.
Skyhawk Therapeutics has entered into a strategic collaboration with Merck KGaA aimed at discovering novel RNA-targeting small molecules for neurological disorders with high unmet need. Leveraging Skyhawk’s SkySTAR platform for RNA splicing modulation, the partnership will focus on advancing innovative approaches in disease areas where traditional therapies have been limited, according to a company press release.
Under terms of the deal, Skyhawk will drive discovery and preclinical development, while Merck KGaA will take on later-stage development and commercialization responsibilities. Additionally, Skyhawk could earn up to $2 billion, including milestone and royalty payments.1
How will the Skyhawk-Merck Collaboration Impact RNA-Targeted Drug Discovery in Neurology?
"Our collaboration with Skyhawk aligns with our strategic focus on innovative science and next-generation technologies that have the potential to deliver impactful medicines to patients with neurological conditions," said Amy Kao, SVP, global head, neuroscience & immunology research unit, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, in a press release. "We believe RNA splicing modulation represents an exciting frontier in drug discovery, and Skyhawk's expertise positions them as an ideal partner in this space. It is also in line with our mission in bringing more medicines to more patients, faster."
Merck KGaA Expands Through Strategic Acquisition
- The move represents the latest strategic push by Merck KGaA as the company continues to expand its pipeline and market presence through a series of high-profile acquisitions and partnerships.
- Last month, the company announced that it had finalized its acquisition of SpringWorks Therapeutics for $3.4 billion.
- When the deal was first announced in April, Merck KGaA agreed to pay SpringWorks shareholders $47 per share for a total of $3.9 billion.
- SpringWorks’ total balance of cash on hand brought the net value down to $3.4 billion.
- The deal included Ogsiveo (nirogacestat), a first-in-class treatment for desmoid tumors, and Gomekli (mirdametinib), the only FDA-approved therapy for symptomatic plexiform neurofibromas in neurofibromatosis type 1.2
Skyhawk’s Track Record in RNA Collaborations
- Skyhawk has previously engaged in multiple collaborations focused on RNA-targeted drug discovery.
- These partnerships have helped the company build experience in advancing RNA-modulation programs.
- In April 2024, Skyhawk announced a partnership with Ipsen to develop small molecule RNA-targeting therapies for rare neurological diseases.
- Under terms of the deal, Skyhawk revealed that it was eligible to receive up to $1.8 billion in development, regulatory, and commercial milestones, including an upfront payment, for the option and research collaboration, plus potential tiered royalties.3
Looking Ahead with Merck
"We are proud to partner with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany a company with a strong heritage of innovation and a commitment to advancing transformative science," said Bill Haney, CEO, Skyhawk Therapeutics, in a press release. "This collaboration underscores the power of our SkySTAR platform to address challenging disease biology through precise RNA targeting, and we look forward to working closely with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany to bring potential first-in-class medicines forward."
References
- Skyhawk Therapeutics Announces Strategic Collaboration with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany to Discover Novel RNA-Targeting Small Molecules for Neurological Disorders. PR Newswire. August 18, 2025. Accessed August 19, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/skyhawk-therapeutics-announces-strategic-collaboration-with-merck-kgaa-darmstadt-germany-to-discover-novel-rna-targeting-small-molecules-for-neurological-disorders-302531254.html
- Merck KGaA Completes Acquisition of SpringWorks Therapeutics in $3.4 Billion Deal. PharmExec. July 1, 2025. Accessed August 19, 2025. https://www.pharmexec.com/view/merck-kgaa-completes-acquisition-springworks-therapeutics-3-4-billion-deal
- Ipsen and Skyhawk Therapeutics announce RNA targeting research collaboration in rare neurological diseases. Cision. April 22, 2024. Accessed August 19, 2025. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/ipsen-and-skyhawk-therapeutics-announce-rna-targeting-research-collaboration-in-rare-neurological-diseases-844923379.html
