Merck inks $680M Harpoon buyout, spearing challenger to Amgen T-cell engager

Merck & Co. has speared an acquisition target, agreeing to pay $680 million for Harpoon Therapeutics and its pipeline of T-cell engagers. The deal will give Merck control of drug candidates that will expand its cancer pipeline and offer opportunities to offset the upcoming loss of Keytruda exclusivity.