Merck & Co Inc, a leader in the checkpoint blockade of cancers, is to develop T cell engager compounds following the acquisition of Harpoon Therapeutics Inc of South San Francisco, California, US. The takeover, valued at $680 million, is expected to close in the first half of 2024. Harpoon has developed technology for directing a patient’s own immune cells to kill tumour cells. Also known as T cell engagers, Harpoon says its compounds have been optimised for the treatment of solid tumours.
