On June 23, 2026, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading global science and technology company, announced a strategic collaboration with Versant Ventures to launch Saturnus Bio, a next-generation precision cardiology company that utilizes targeted gene modulation to address rare mono-genetic cardiomyopathies with significant unmet need. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised Saturnus Bio on the transaction.

The research-stage partnership entails a build-to-buy deal structure, including an upfront payment of $50 million from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany to fund Saturnus Bio’s research activities, securing a minority equity stake in the company, as well as additional success-based preclinical milestones, supporting the development of novel drug candidates for genetic cardiomyopathy patients. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany has exclusive rights to acquire Saturnus Bio for a pre-determined option payment, in addition to success-based earnouts.

The Wilson Sonsini team that advised Saturnus Bio on the transaction includes:

Mergers & Acquisitions
Jason Breen
Dennise Martinez
Yifeng Li

Corporate
Karen Deschaine
Phil McGill
Tamara Labanowski
Erin Wolter

Technology Transactions
Miranda Biven
Nellie Brutocao
Colin Bosch

Tax
Myra Sutanto Shen

Patents and Innovations
Lou Lieto
Mengmeng Zhang 

Employee Benefits and Compensation
Brandon Gantus
Gregory Hughes

Employment Law
Matt Gorman

Antitrust and Competition
Michelle Yost Hale
Kimberley Biagioli

Data, Privacy, and Cybersecurity
Matthew Staples
Michael O’Brien

Regulatory
Eva Yin

For more information, please see this news release.