Merck KGaA bets on RNAi with $1.3B buyout of Silence Therapeutics

Germany's Merck KGaA is acquiring Silence Therapeutics for $1.3 billion. The deal brings in divesiran, a blood disorder drug for polycythemia vera that passed a Phase 2 test. Analysts say it could challenge a Takeda drug. Silence had $72 million in cash as of June 30.

Why it matters: It follows Merck KGaA's SpringWorks buyout as the company shifts its pipeline toward specialized, high-unmet-need areas, and an analyst said it came out of a competitive bid process.