AbbVie, RemeGen Partner on Novel Bispecific Antibody for Advanced Tumors

AbbVie and RemeGen have a new, exclusive licensing agreement to develop, manufacture, and commercialize an investigational antibody. RC148 is a novel programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted bispecific antibody. RemeGen has been developing the candidate as a monotherapy, and in combination regimens, across multiple advanced solid tumors.

According to AbbVie, PD-1/VEGF-targeted bispecific antibodies represent “a new class of cancer therapies.” These antibodies aim to help the immune system fight tumors more effectively and potentially, overcome resistance mechanisms. RC148 has shown favorable antitumor activity in early clinical studies in combination with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).

AbbVie and RemeGen Reaction

“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 tumors,” said Daejin Abidoye, MD, vice president and therapeutic area head, oncology, solid tumor, and hematology, AbbVie.

“This collaboration is a significant milestone for RemeGen, highlighting the innovative potential of RC148 in addressing critical unmet medical needs in cancer treatment,” said RemeGen CEO Jianmin Fang, PhD. “Working with AbbVie, we look forward to maximizing RC148’s clinical and commercial potential in China and globally.”

Terms of Antibody Agreement

In the agreement, AbbVie receives exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize RC148 outside Greater China. RemeGen, meanwhile, gets an upfront payment of $650 million, with potential to receive up to $4.95 billion more in milestone payments.

AbbVie said adding RC148 to its portfolio may present new opportunities to explore combination regimens with AbbVie ADCs. These include investigational telisotuzumab adizutecan, or Temab-A. Temab-A targets solid tumors with high unmet need, such as non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer.