Bayer teams up with Kumquat to develop KRAS G12D oncology candidate

German pharmaceutical company Bayer and U.S.-based Kumquat Biosciences have entered into an exclusive global license and collaboration agreement to develop and commercialize Kumquat’s KRAS G12D inhibitor. Under the deal, Kumquat will initiate and complete the Phase 1a clinical trial while Bayer will assume responsibility for later-stage development and commercialization. The asset received FDA approval for its investigational new drug (IND) application in July 2025 and addresses KRAS G12D mutations—common in pancreatic, colorectal, and non‑small cell lung cancers, yet currently lacking effective therapies. Kumquat stands to receive up to $1.3 billion in milestones, upfront payments, and tiered royalties, plus an option for profit‑loss sharing in the U.S. This partnership aligns Kumquat’s deep KRAS expertise with Bayer’s precision oncology pipeline, widening future treatment possibilities.