In order to expand its oncology portfolio, Merck has agreed to acquire Harpoon Therapeutics for US$680 M. Through the takeover, Merck will gain access to Harpoon’s innovative Tri-specific T cell Activating Construct (TriTAC®) platform along with its lead asset, HPN328, which is currently in clinical studies in patients with small cell lung cancer and neuroendocrine tumours. This acquisition is closely aligned with Merck’s expansion into the oncology sector which will help in offsetting the upcoming loss of exclusivity for Keytruda® (pembrolizumab).