Keros Therapeutics (KROS) shares are experiencing a significant uptick following the announcement of a global licensing agreement with Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Under the terms of the deal, Keros will receive a $200 million upfront payment and is eligible for additional milestone payments that could exceed $1.1 billion, along with tiered royalties on net sales. This agreement grants Takeda the rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize elritercept, a promising drug candidate currently in Phase 2 trials for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myelofibrosis (MF), outside of mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The partnership is expected to extend Keros' operational runway into the fourth quarter of 2028, providing the company with significant financial flexibility to advance its pipeline.
The strategic collaboration with Takeda, a major player in the hematologic oncology space, is seen as a validation of elritercept's potential and Keros' expertise in TGF-ß biology. Analysts have positively received the deal, highlighting the immediate capital injection and the long-term value potential from milestone payments and royalties. The agreement also positions elritercept as a potential competitor to Bristol Myers Squibb's Reblozyl, with early clinical results showing promising efficacy and a manageable safety profile.
Keros Therapeutics' stock is currently trading at $60.58, marking a 6.78% increase from its previous close of $56.73 and a 6.95% rise from its opening price of $56.64.