Merck & Co has agreed to acquire Rigontec, an early phase immuno-oncology biotech, for an upfront payment of €115 M (US$137 M). Rigontec is developing RNA-based therapeutics that target the retinoic acid-inducible gene (RIG-1) pathway to induce both immediate and long-term immune responses towards tumours and potentially infectious and inflammatory disorders. The deal continues Merck’s bolt-on acquisition strategy in immuno-oncology.