Starting the new year off with a bang, Merck & Co. has entered into a collaboration and license agreement with Taiho Pharmaceutical and Astex Pharmaceuticals to develop anti-cancer treatments, including KRAS inhibitors. The deal, of which only US$50 M is paid upfront, builds on Merck’s diversification strategy beyond Keytruda® (pembrolizumab) and continues the company’s recent high-value deal spree.