The Darmstadt-based pharmaceutical company Merck is reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire the American cancer specialist Springworks Therapeutics for a substantial sum. This acquisition, estimated to be valued at approximately $3.5 billion (around EUR3.08 billion), would mark one of the largest purchases by Merck in recent years and aims to bolster its oncology portfolio. Merck officials confirmed that discussions are ongoing, but they also emphasized that no final decision has been reached and no binding agreements have been signed yet. The negotiations revolve around a potential price of around $47 per share for Springworks. Founded in 2017 as a spin-off from Pfizer, Springworks Therapeutics is focused on developing therapies for rare tumors and blood cancers. The company has already gained approval for a treatment targeting progressive soft tissue tumors in the United States. Merck's pharmaceutical division has shown solid growth recently; however, the company faces pressure to introduce new medications to the market. Several promising drugs that were expected to generate significant revenue have failed in clinical trials, prompting Merck to seek alternative strategies, including licensing agreements and potential acquisitions. The last major acquisition by Merck occurred in 2019 when it acquired the U.S. semiconductor supplier Versum Materials for about EUR5.8 billion. The largest acquisition in Merck's history was the purchase of the U.S. laboratory supplier Sigma-Aldrich in 2015, valued at EUR13 billion. As Merck continues to navigate the challenges of the pharmaceutical landscape, this potential acquisition of Springworks could significantly enhance its capabilities in the oncology sector, aligning with the growing demand for innovative cancer treatments.