Merck KGaA to acquire Silence Therapeutics for $1.1 billion, gaining Phase 3 PV siRNA asset

Merck KGaA announced it will buy Silence Therapeutics for about $1.1 billion, giving the German group a foothold in hematology.

Silence, a UK-based RNA specialist, develops short interfering RNA medicines. Its lead candidate, divesiran, is in Phase 3 trials for polycythemia vera, a rare blood cancer.

The deal values Silence at $20 per share, an 82% premium to its recent average price, and is slated to close in the first quarter of 2027.

Analysts view the acquisition as a move to challenge Takeda in a market projected at roughly $2 billion.