J&J to buy Firefly Bio for $1 billion to boost KRAS inhibitor program

J&J announced Monday it will acquire biotech startup Firefly Bio for $1 billion, aiming to broaden its KRAS inhibitor portfolio.

The move follows recent data from Revolution Medicines showing a KRAS‑targeted therapy nearly doubled survival in metastatic pancreatic cancer, reviving interest in the once‑challenging target.

KRAS mutations appear in roughly 30 % of cancers, and the acquisition gives J&J access to Firefly’s early‑stage programs and expertise in designing molecules that can bind the difficult protein.

The deal underscores the growing competition among large pharma to secure footholds in KRAS‑focused drug development as the field gains momentum.