Clavius Pharmaceuticals

Clavius Pharmaceuticals was a private biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel small molecule therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. The company specialized in the ubiquitin-proteasome system, specifically targeting the deubiquitinating enzyme USP7 (Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 7). By inhibiting USP7, Clavius aimed to stabilize tumor suppressors like p53 and promote the degradation of oncogenic proteins to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Founded by industry veterans and backed by prominent investors such as OrbiMed, the company was acquired by Merck & Co. (MSD) in January 2021. This acquisition integrated Clavius's USP7 inhibitor programs into Merck's broader oncology and DNA damage response (DDR) portfolio.