Merus (NASDAQ:MRUS) (NASDAQ: MRUS) is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company specializing in the discovery and development of bispecific antibody therapeutics to treat cancer. Leveraging its proprietary Biclonics® platform, the company designs antibodies that simultaneously engage two distinct targets on cancer cells or immune cells, with the goal of enhancing anti-tumor activity while minimizing off-target effects. Research and development activities span from early candidate selection through preclinical validation and clinical-stage trials, underscoring Merus’s commitment to advancing novel treatments for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.
The company’s leading pipeline candidate, zenocutuzumab (MCLA-128), targets HER2 and HER3 receptor pathways and is being investigated in multiple solid tumor indications, including breast, lung and pancreatic cancers. Additional clinical programs focus on novel biclonal antibodies directed at immune checkpoints, growth factor receptors and T-cell co-stimulators. Merus also maintains a robust portfolio of preclinical assets designed to address unmet needs in oncology by combining precision-engineered binding domains with optimized pharmacological profiles.
Headquartered in the Netherlands with a significant presence in the United States, Merus conducts global clinical trials in collaboration with academic research centers and pharmaceutical partners. The company’s international footprint includes laboratories and offices in Utrecht and Cambridge, Massachusetts, facilitating seamless coordination between European and North American operations. Strategic alliances have been established to expand development capabilities, accelerate regulatory filings and explore combination regimens with established oncology agents.
Founded in 2008 by a team of antibody engineering specialists, Merus has since built a leadership team of experienced drug developers and industry veterans. The company is led by President and Chief Executive Officer Rob Icke, Ph.D., who brings over two decades of biopharmaceutical leadership, supported by a multidisciplinary executive staff in research, clinical development and regulatory affairs. Through its innovative platform and collaborative approach, Merus aims to deliver next-generation antibody therapies that improve outcomes for patients with cancer worldwide.
