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CAREERS

Rare Tumors

Collaborating with clinicians, researchers and patients to help improve outcomes

On a mission to improve the lives of rare tumor patients

Some rare tumors are often described in clinical terms as "non-malignant." For patients, however, they are anything but benign. These diseases do not typically metastasize, but they can take over a patient's life.1-3

With a potentially expanding portfolio, our Rare Tumors therapeutic area builds on a strong foundation of both internal expertise and external innovation, including the pioneering science of SpringWorks Therapeutics, another affiliate company of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Our current portfolio centers on patients whose lives are profoundly affected by chronic symptoms, uncertainty, and frequent procedures.

Helping patients achieve better daily living that extends beyond radiographic change alone defines our approach to rare tumor diseases, like desmoid tumors and neurofibromatosis type 1-associated plexiform neurofibromas (NF1-PN). We are collaborating with clinicians, researchers and patients to help improve outcomes.

Our Products

GOMEKLI® (mirdametinib) tablet

OGSIVEO® (nirogacestat) tablets

Our Focus

Desmoid tumors
Desmoid tumors are rare, aggressive soft-tissue tumors characterized by locally invasive growth, significant morbidity, and a high rate of recurrence.

 

NF1-PN
About 30-50% of people with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) develop plexiform neurofibromas (PN)4, which are peripheral nerve sheath tumors that can cause significant pain, disfigurement, and functional impairment.

Rare Tumors News

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  1. Press Releases

    Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany Completes Acquisition of SpringWorks Therapeutics ...

    We have closed the acquisition of SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc., for an enterprise value of $3.4 billion (approximately €3 billion).

    2025/07/01

Footnotes

1 Husson O, et al. Desmoid fibromatosis through the patients’ eyes: time to change the focus and organisation of care? Support Care Cancer. 2019;27(3):965-980. doi:10.1007/s00520-018-4386-8. 

2 Ota T, et al. Tumor location and type affect local recurrence and joint damage in tenosynovial giant cell tumor: a multi-center study. Sci Rep. 2021;11:17384. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-96795-6. 

3 Fisher M, et al. Management of neurofibromatosis type 1-associated plexiform neurofibromas. Neuro Oncol. 2022;24(11):1827–1844. doi:10.1093/neuonc/noac146.

4 Weiss BD, Wolters PL, Plotkin SR, et al. NF106: A Neurofibromatosis Clinical Trials Consortium Phase II Trial of the MEK Inhibitor Mirdametinib (PD-0325901) in Adolescents and Adults With NF1-Related Plexiform Neurofibromas. J Clin Oncol.2021;39(7):797-806.