AbbVie and China-based biopharma RemeGen have signed an exclusive licensing agreement covering development, manufacturing, and commercialization of RC148, a PD-1/VEGF-targeted bispecific antibody being studied across multiple advanced solid tumors, including certain lung cancers.
Under the deal, AbbVie gains exclusive rights to RC148 outside Greater China, while RemeGen retains rights within the territory. RemeGen will receive $650 million upfront and is eligible for up to $4.95 billion in development, regulatory and commercial milestones, as well as tiered, double-digit royalties on net sales outside Greater China.
RC148 is being evaluated by RemeGen as a monotherapy and in combination regimens. PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibodies are designed to pair immune checkpoint inhibition with anti-angiogenic activity, potentially addressing tumor immune suppression and resistance mechanisms by blocking both pathways simultaneously. The class is also being explored in combinations with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), given the potential to shape a tumor microenvironment that may be more favorable for ADC activity.
AbbVie said the addition of RC148 broadens its oncology pipeline and could create new combination opportunities with the company’s ADC portfolio, including investigational telisotuzumab adizutecan (Temab-A). AbbVie highlighted potential applications across solid tumors with significant unmet need, including non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer.
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“Our partnership with RemeGen reflects AbbVie’s commitment to not only advance novel oncology treatments, but also to build strong collaborations with biopharmaceutical innovators globally as an increasingly important source of scientific and clinical progress. 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.”
Daejin Abidoye, M.D., Vice President, 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. The deal further underscores RemeGen’s commitment to bringing cutting-edge therapies to patients worldwide. Working with AbbVie, we look forward to maximizing RC148’s clinical and commercial potential in China and globally.”
Dr. Jianmin Fang, Chief Executive Officer, RemeGen
