Gilead Sciences completes US$5B Tubulis acquisition to strengthen ADC oncology pipeline

USA—Gilead Sciences has completed its acquisition of Germany-based biotechnology company Tubulis, a developer of next-generation antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), in a deal valued at up to US$5 billion

First announced in April, the transaction strengthens Gilead’s oncology strategy by expanding its precision cancer treatment portfolio and reinforcing its global oncology pipeline, which focuses on targeted biologics and precision medicine approaches.

With the deal now closed, Gilead fully integrates Tubulis’ operations and assets into its global research and development network.

Deal Structure and financial terms

Under the agreement, Gilead acquired all outstanding equity of Tubulis for US$3.15 billion on a cash-free, debt-free basis, alongside up to US$1.85 billion in milestone payments.

This structure will support future clinical, regulatory, and commercial achievements, aligning both companies on the long-term development of antibody–drug conjugate therapies and the performance-based progression of key oncology programs.

Munich Hub and ADC innovation expansion

Tubulis will remain headquartered in Munich, where it will establish an ADC Innovation Center focused on discovery, manufacturing, and clinical development.

The facility will support faster research into antibody–drug conjugates while keeping key scientific teams within Gilead’s broader oncology framework, ensuring continuity in ongoing research programs and platform development.

ADC technologies and pipeline assets

The acquisition provides Gilead access to Tubulis’ proprietary ADC platforms designed to improve selective tumour targeting and payload delivery.

These technologies enhance the biophysical stability of ADCs, enabling efficient tumour accumulation and sustained anti-cancer activity.

Key assets include TUB-040, a NaPi2b-targeted topoisomerase I inhibitor ADC currently in a Phase I/IIa study for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, and TUB-030, a 5T4-targeted ADC being evaluated across multiple solid tumour types with potential application in broader oncology indications.

Leadership Perspective and strategic direction

Gilead Sciences chairman and CEO Daniel O’Day said the company looks forward to integrating Tubulis’ team and advancing next-generation ADC development.

 He highlighted that the firms’ two-year collaboration built strong confidence in Tubulis’ technologies and clinical programs, and that combining expertise will help deliver new treatment options for patients with hard-to-treat cancers.

It also underscored the ongoing commitment to accelerating ADC innovation across multiple clinical programs worldwide.

Broader oncology strategy and recent moves

Gilead has continued prioritizing oncology expansion through targeted acquisitions and partnerships, strengthening its pipeline across cell therapy, immuno-oncology, and antibody–drug conjugates, with an emphasis on late-stage asset development.

In March 2026, Gilead also agreed to acquire Ouro Medicines for US$2.2 billion, marking its entry into T-cell engager therapies and extending its collaboration with Galapagos.

The move supports its broader strategy to build a diversified oncology portfolio across multiple treatment platforms.