Bayer Enters into Collaboration with Kumquat Biosciences for Precision Oncology
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Bayer has entered into an exclusive global licence and collaboration agreement with Kumquat Biosciences to develop and commercialise Kumquat’s KRAS G12D inhibitor.
The KRAS G12D mutation is the most common and aggressive KRAS variant but still lacks effective treatments. The investigational inhibitor developed by Kumquat targets a critical signalling pathway that supports tumour growth and survival, aiming to address this significant unmet medical need.
KRAS mutations are genetic changes that drive the growth of various cancers and are key targets for precision treatments. The KRAS G12D mutation is found in around 37% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cases, 13% of colorectal cancers and 4% of non-small cell lung cancers. PDAC, the most common form of pancreatic cancer, accounts for about 85% of cases and remains difficult to treat, with limited options beyond chemotherapy and a five-year survival rate below 10%. Pancreatic cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and its incidence is projected to rise by 95.4% by 2050, potentially reaching almost one million new cases annually.
Under the agreement, Kumquat will lead the initiation and completion of a Phase Ia clinical study, while Bayer will take responsibility for the remaining development and commercialisation. Kumquat received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2025 for the investigational new drug application for its KRAS G12D inhibitor.
The deal could provide Kumquat with up to US$1.3 billion in upfront, clinical and commercial milestone payments, along with tiered royalties on net sales.
The company also holds an option to negotiate participation in profit-loss sharing in the United States.
Source: bayer.com
