Gilead Sciences Acquires Biotech-Start-up Tubulis in Five Billion Dollar Euro Deal

Formed in 2029, the Leibniz Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie and LMU Munich spin-off develops next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) designed to deliver various active ingredients more selectively to tumors and optimize patient benefit.

The agreement sees Gilead also acquire the company’s lead product, TUB-040, a NaPi2b-targeted topoisomerase I inhibitor ADC currently in Phase 1b/2 clinical development for the treatment of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Gilead will also acquire TUB-030, a 5T4-targeted ADC with promising early clinical data across various solid tumor types as well as its next-generation ADC platform and a promising early pipeline.

The deal includes an upfront immediate payment of USD 3.15 billion to be followed by up to USD 1.85 billion in milestone payments and is expected to close in Q2/2026. Upon completion of the deal, Tubulis will serve as an independent ADC research organization within Gilead, with the Munich site acting as a hub for further research and development.