# Merck KGaA Acquires Silence Therapeutics for $1.3 Billion German pharmaceutical giant secures siRNA technology to treat rare blood cancer polycythemia vera. - **Source:** [Nature Biotechnology](http://feeds.nature.com/nbt/rss/current) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/3ebd97b2-5b54-4efe-8957-6b8adf17551b ## Strategic Pharmaceutical Acquisition German pharmaceutical company Merck KGaA has officially acquired the UK-based biotech firm Silence Therapeutics. The transaction is structured as an all-cash deal valued at $1.3 billion. This move allows the German giant to integrate specialized RNA-based therapeutic assets directly into its existing research and development pipeline for future clinical applications. ## Targeting Rare Blood Cancer The primary asset driving this acquisition is divesiran, a short interfering RNA therapy currently preparing for phase 3 clinical trials. This drug candidate is specifically designed to treat polycythemia vera, a rare blood cancer. In this condition, the bone marrow produces an excessive number of red blood cells, increasing patient health risks. ## Mechanism of Action Divesiran functions by targeting the liver to destroy mRNA for the TMPRSS6 gene. By inhibiting this specific gene, the therapy increases levels of hepcidin, a hormone that regulates iron metabolism. Reduced iron availability in the body effectively slows down the excessive production of red blood cells, addressing the core disease pathology. ## Clinical Significance of TMPRSS6 The TMPRSS6 protein acts as a negative regulator of hepcidin, which is essential for iron homeostasis. By lowering the production of this protein, the therapy creates a controlled environment where iron circulation is restricted. This biochemical pathway provides a precise method for managing blood cell counts in patients with polycythemia vera. ## Cardiovascular Risk Mitigation Patients suffering from polycythemia vera face significantly elevated risks of cardiovascular and thrombotic events due to high red blood cell counts. By controlling iron levels and red blood cell production, divesiran aims to reduce these dangerous complications. This therapeutic approach represents a targeted intervention for patients who currently have limited treatment options. ## Advancing RNA Therapeutics The acquisition highlights the growing importance of short interfering RNA technology in modern medicine. Merck KGaA is positioning itself to lead in this specific genetic modulation space. By securing Silence Therapeutics, the company gains proprietary expertise in RNA interference, which could be applied to other rare diseases beyond polycythemia vera in future. ## Financial and Market Context The $1.3 billion all-cash valuation reflects the high market potential for advanced genetic therapies in the oncology sector. Such significant investments indicate a strong industry trend toward acquiring specialized biotech firms with late-stage clinical assets. This deal provides Silence Therapeutics with the capital and infrastructure necessary to complete critical phase 3 trials. ## Future Clinical Outlook As divesiran moves into phase 3 trials, the medical community will closely monitor its efficacy and safety profile. Success in these trials would validate the siRNA approach for blood disorders. Merck KGaA now holds the responsibility to navigate the regulatory path and bring this innovative treatment to patients globally in coming years. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-026-03393-w — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._