By Fineline Cube 
Sprint Bioscience AB announced the sale of its TREX1 cancer program to Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: GILD) for an upfront payment of USD 14 million, plus potential clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments totaling up to USD 400 million, marking a significant exit for the Swedish oncology specialist.
Transaction Terms
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Seller | Sprint Bioscience AB |
| Buyer | Gilead Sciences, Inc. |
| Asset | TREX1 cancer program (small molecule, first‑in‑class) |
| Upfront Payment | USD 14 million |
| Milestone Potential | Up to USD 400 million (clinical, regulatory, commercial) |
| Total Deal Value | Up to USD 414 million |
| Technology | Fragment‑based drug development platform |
Sprint Bioscience Profile
- Founded: Specialized in first‑in‑class small molecule oncology programs
- Platform: Fragment‑based drug development methodology for time‑ and resource‑efficient discovery
- Pipeline: TREX1 represents flagship program; company retains other early‑stage assets
- Strategy: Out‑license clinical‑stage programs to global pharma partners
Market Context & Strategic Rationale
| Segment | Global Market Size (2024) | Growth CAGR | Competitive Landscape |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oncology Small Molecules | $68 billion | 8% | Gilead expanding pipeline beyond cell therapy |
| Fragment‑Based Discovery | $2.1 billion (services) | 12% | Sprint’s platform validated by Gilead deal |
- Gilead’s Strategy: Strengthens oncology portfolio after Trodelvy and Yescarta; adds novel DNA damage response target (TREX1)
- Sprint’s Validation: Deal confirms fragment‑based approach can yield pharma‑ready assets; likely to drive partnership interest in remaining pipeline
- Revenue Impact: Upfront payment covers 18‑24 months of Sprint’s operating expenses; milestones provide path to >$500 M valuation if achieved
Forward‑Looking Statements
This brief contains forward‑looking statements regarding milestone achievement probabilities and Sprint’s future partnership strategy. Actual results may differ materially due to clinical trial risks, Gilead development priorities, and competitive dynamics.-Fineline Info & Tech