Gilead's Oncology Portfolio Expands With Polymerase Theta Inhibitor Acquisition; RPTX Stock Surges on $30M Deal

Precision oncology player Repare Therapeutics Inc. (RPTX) has secured a transformative transaction with pharma giant Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD), marking a significant influx of capital ahead of broader strategic developments. Under the agreement, Gilead will acquire RP-3467, an advanced polymerase theta ATPase inhibitor, with Repare receiving up to $30 million in total compensation structured as a $25 million upfront payment plus $5 million tied to successful technology transfer milestones.

Strong Market Response Signals Investor Confidence

The announcement triggered immediate market enthusiasm, with RPTX climbing 20.73% in pre-market trading to reach $2.62 per share—a new 52-week high. This marks a considerable move from the stock’s recent range of $0.89 to $2.30 over the trailing twelve months. The upside reflects investor optimism regarding both the near-term liquidity benefit and the validation from an industry heavyweight like Gilead.

RP-3467: A Synthetic Lethality Play in Advanced Cancers

RP-3467 represents a highly selective small-molecule inhibitor targeting polymerase theta (Pol?), a synthetic lethality target particularly relevant in BRCA mutation carriers and patients with other genomic aberrations. The compound is progressing through the POLAR Phase 1 clinical trial, where it is being evaluated as monotherapy and in combination with the established PARP inhibitor olaparib. The trial population spans patients with advanced-stage ovarian, breast, prostate, and pancreatic malignancies—a broad and commercially significant indication set.

Portfolio Momentum and Strategic Implications

This transaction constitutes Repare’s third major portfolio deal throughout 2025 and the most substantial to completion thus far. More critically, the capital infusion strengthens Repare’s balance sheet at a pivotal moment, as the company navigates its pending acquisition by Xeno Therapeutics. Based on current valuation estimates, Repare shareholders anticipate receiving approximately $2.20 per share upon close of the Xeno transaction.

Repare CEO Steve Forte underscored the strategic fit: “This transaction brings together Gilead’s established oncology development capabilities with RP-3467, positioning it as a potential best-in-class polymerase theta ATPase inhibitor candidate.” The collaboration exemplifies Gilead’s renewed commitment to the oncology and synthetic lethality space, while simultaneously furnishing Repare with critical liquidity as it approaches the completion of its broader corporate transaction.