Gilead strengthens ADC capabilities with $5bn Tubulis acquisition

Gilead is acquiring German biotechnology company Tubulis for $3.15 billion upfront, bolstering its oncology pipeline with a suite of investigational, next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).

This includes TUB-040, a NaPi2b-directed topoisomerase-I inhibitor (TOPO1i)-targeting ADC for ovarian cancer and other solid tumours. The ADC candidate is currently in phase Ib/II clinical development.

Dominik Schumacher, PhD, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Tubulis said: “From the outset, we believed our conjugation technology platforms could have broad impact across the ADC field and the initial data from TUB-040 have reinforced that conviction.”

Under the agreement, Gilead will also acquire a second candidate, TUB-030. The 5T4-targeted ADC has shown early clinical potential across multiple types of solid tumours. The ADC specialist is eligible for up to $1.85 billion in milestone payments.

This is Gilead’s second collaboration-turned-acquisition in recent months. In February, the firm expanded its partnership with Arcellx by acquiring the US biotech for $7.8 billion. It broadens Kite’s CAR-T therapy portfolio with addition of investigational cell therapy anitocabtagene autoleucel (anito-cel) for multiple myeloma.

The agreement to acquire Tubulis is a significant milestone in Gilead’s progress in oncology. The company brings a clinical-stage candidate that is a potential new treatment for ovarian cancer, as well as a next-generation ADC platform and a promising early pipeline”

Gilead acquired Ouro Medicines for $2 billion last month, which includes potential first-in-class T cell engager gamgertamig, indicated for immune-mediated diseases.

Daniel O’Day, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Gilead Sciences, said: “The agreement to acquire Tubulis is a significant milestone in Gilead’s progress in oncology. The company brings a clinical-stage candidate that is a potential new treatment for ovarian cancer, as well as a next-generation ADC platform and a promising early pipeline.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Tubulis will operate as an ADC research organisation within Gilead, with its Munich site in Germany planned as a hub for ADC innovation.

Closing of the deal is subject customary conditions and expected to be finalised in Q2 of 2026.