Molecular glues: The future of selective CDK2 targeting?

The theory that blocking CDK2 could help overcome resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors — and could expand the cell cycle inhibitor market beyond breast cancers — has given rise to a growing pipeline of CDK2-selective inhibitors. A new collaboration between Gilead and Kymera adds to the momentum and shifts the preclinical pipeline toward targeted protein degradation.

Kymera Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:KYMR) is eligible to receive $85 million from Gilead Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) in upfront and option exercise payments, with milestones escalating to a total deal value of $750 million. Kymera is to lead research activities around the CDK2 program; it could receive royalties up to the mid-teens if Gilead exercises its options and brings the therapy to market...