Gilead Sciences Expands Oncology Portfolio with $400M TREX1 Deal

Gilead Sciences, a major player in the pharmaceutical industry, has made a significant move to bolster its oncology pipeline by acquiring a preclinical cancer program from Swedish biotech Sprint Bioscience. The deal, announced on November 24, 2025, centers around a novel target known as TREX1 and could be worth up to $414 million.

Deal Structure and Financial Terms

Under the terms of the agreement, Gilead will pay Sprint Bioscience an upfront fee of $14 million. The deal includes potential additional payments of up to $400 million, contingent upon the program meeting specific clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestones. This structure allows Gilead to access a promising new oncology asset while minimizing initial financial risk.

Johan Emilsson, CEO of Sprint Bioscience, commented on the deal, stating, "TREX1 has demonstrated significant potential in the preclinical phase, and our decision to sell the program, rather than license it, reflects a strategic shift toward more flexible, value-driven exit opportunities."

TREX1: A Novel Approach to Cancer Treatment

The TREX1 program represents a potentially innovative approach to cancer therapy. Research suggests that while a healthy TREX1 gene helps prevent overactivation of the immune system in conditions such as lupus, it may also enable cancer cells to evade the body's natural defenses.

By inhibiting TREX1, researchers aim to unleash anti-tumor immune activity. Preclinical data shared by Sprint Bioscience in 2024 demonstrated improved immune responses and reduced tumor growth in animal models of colorectal cancer following oral administration of their TREX1 inhibitor.

Gilead's Oncology Strategy

This acquisition aligns with Gilead's ongoing efforts to strengthen its position in the oncology market. The company has invested heavily in this area in recent years, most notably with the $21 billion acquisition of Immunomedics in 2020. However, Gilead has faced challenges in this space, including setbacks with its cancer drug Trodelvy.

The TREX1 deal follows Gilead's August 2025 acquisition of Interius BioTherapeutics for $350 million, which brought in technology for in vivo genetic modification of immune cells. These strategic moves underscore Gilead's commitment to expanding its oncology portfolio through external collaborations and acquisitions.