#USA #Amsterdam #EQT Life Sciences #Gilead Sciences #Tubulis

EQT Life Sciences Exits Stake in Tubulis via Sale to Gilead Sciences

EQT Life Sciences has officially announced its decision to exit its minority stake in Tubulis, a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Germany. This exit comes through an agreement with Gilead Sciences, with the transaction potentially valued at up to $5 billion. This sale marks a significant milestone in the evolving landscape of biopharmaceuticals, particularly in the oncology sector.

Overview of the Deal

On April 7, 2026, EQT Life Sciences disclosed that the LSP 7 fund has divested its stake in Tubulis. The deal involves Gilead Sciences acquiring Tubulis for an upfront payment of $3.15 billion in cash, alongside additional contingent milestone payments that could total another $1.85 billion. This transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to complete in the second quarter of 2026.

Notably, Tubulis is renowned for its research in next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), focusing on innovative treatments for various cancers, including platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The firm’s leading asset, TUB-040, is currently in advanced clinical trials, showcasing promising results.

Tubulis' Growth Journey

EQT Life Sciences has played a pivotal role in Tubulis' evolution. The venture capital firm co-led Tubulis' Series B2 financing round in March 2024, which was oversubscribed, enabling the company to scale and develop its clinical capabilities. Since then, EQT Life Sciences has provided substantial support at the board level, facilitating Tubulis' ambitions and positioning it as a leading player in the ADC market.

Dominik Schumacher, CEO and Co-founder of Tubulis, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating that joining forces with Gilead provides access to superior scientific expertise and the resources necessary to expedite Tubulis’ drug development processes. He noted the existing collaboration between Tubulis and Gilead had already shown the potential of their technologies, emphasizing their alignment in advancing the ADC pipeline.

Strategic Implications for Both Companies

This acquisition is expected to significantly enhance Gilead's oncology portfolio. The partnership will allow Gilead to leverage Tubulis’ innovative technologies and unique ADC platforms, while assisting in addressing the pressing medical needs prevalent in oncology treatments. Christoph Broja, Partner at EQT Life Sciences, highlighted that the unison of both companies is likely to shape the future landscape of cancer treatment and innovation.

The integration of Tubulis within Gilead will see it operate as a distinct ADC research entity, utilizing its Munich site as a crucial hub for ongoing innovation in ADC technology. This decision showcases Gilead's commitment to fostering cutting-edge research and development in the biopharmaceutical industry, particularly as it strives to meet the critical demands for new cancer therapies.

Conclusion

The sale of Tubulis to Gilead represents a strategic advancement for both firms, aiming to capitalize on the rapidly expanding market for oncology therapies. As Gilead aims to translate innovation into effective treatments for patients, the collaboration with Tubulis will likely enhance its capabilities to deliver pioneering solutions in the field of cancer care. The deal stands as a testament to EQT Life Sciences' ability to identify and nurture groundbreaking scientific initiatives, significantly contributing to patient health and the overall biopharmaceutical landscape.