AbbVie licenses novel bispecific antibody from RemeGen for $5bn

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AbbVie is partnering with Chinese biotech RemeGen to develop a novel Programmed Cell Death-1 (PD-1)/Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)-targeted bispecific antibody (bsAb), in a deal potentially worth up to $4.95 billion.

A new class of cancer therapies, PD-1/VEGF-targeted bsAbs help the immune system eliminate tumours more effectively and potentially overcome tumour resistance mechanisms.

RemeGen’s biologic RC148 is currently in phase II development for multiple advanced solid tumours, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC).

Under the agreement, AbbVie has rights to develop, manufacture and commercialise RC148 outside the Greater China territory, giving RemeGen $650 million upfront, alongside royalties on future net sales.

PD-1/VEGF bsAbs have potential to modulate both immune suppression and foster a favourable tumour microenvironment for antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) activity, AbbVie noted. Early clinical data shows RC148 enabled initial favourable anti-tumour activity in combination with an ADC.

As such, this could offer opportunity for RemeGen to investigate its potential as a combination therapy alongside AbbVie’s ADCs such as Temab-A (telisotuzumab adizutecan).

Dr Daejin Abidoye, Vice President, Therapeutic Area Head, Oncology, Solid Tumor and Hematology at AbbVie, said: “By combining the immune checkpoint inhibition and anti-angiogenic activity of RC148 together with the targeted cytotoxic activity of ADCs, we have the potential to identify meaningful options for patients across a range of solid tumours.”

Dr Jianmin Fang, Chief Executive Officer of RemeGen, added that the firm is looking forward to maximising RC148’s clinical and commercial potential in China and globally through the collaboration with AbbVie.

In June last year, AbbVie acquired Capstan Therapeutics in a deal worth up to $2.1 billion, with the intention of advancing a potential first-in-class drug for B cell-mediated autoimmune diseases.