AbbVie, RemeGen Sign Exclusive Licensing Agreement for Novel Bispecific Antibody
The agreement will allow AbbVie to develop, manufacture, and commercialize RemeGen’s novel PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody in combination with its ADCs across multiple solid tumors.
Global biopharmaceutical company, AbbVie, and innovative Chinese biopharmaceutical company, RemeGen, have announced their exclusive licensing agreement aimed at the development of a novel bispecific antibody for advanced solid tumors. The agreement was revealed in a Jan. 12, 2026 press release (1).
Under the terms of the agreement, AbbVie will be licensed to develop, manufacture, and commercialize RC148, which is a novel investigational programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted bispecific antibody that is currently being developed by RemeGen. The drug is being developed as a monotherapy and in combination regimens as treatment for multiple advanced solid tumors.
"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," said Daejin Abidoye, M.D., Vice President, Therapeutic Area Head, Oncology, Solid Tumor and Hematology at AbbVie, in a company press release (1). "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."
"This collaboration is a significant milestone for RemeGen, highlighting the innovative potential of RC148 in addressing critical unmet medical needs in cancer treatment," added Dr. Jianmin Fang, Chief Executive Officer of RemeGen, in the press release (1). "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."
In October 2025, AbbVie presented data at the 2025 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress, highlighting progress it has made with its antibody-drug conjugate (ADC)portfolio in treating solid tumors (2). This exclusive agreement with RemeGen will leverage AbbVie’s expertise with ADCs to further progress RC148, which has already demonstrated initial favorable antitumor activity in combination with an ADC in early clinical trials (1).
Through the licensing agreement, AbbVie will receive the exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize RC148 outside of the Greater China territory. Additionally, RemeGen will receive an upfront payment of USD 650 million and be eligible to receive USD 4.95 billion in aggregate development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, as well as tiered double-digit royalties on net sales outside of the Greater China territory.
References
AbbVie. AbbVie and RemeGen Announce Exclusive Licensing Agreement to Develop a Novel Bispecific Antibody for Advanced Solid Tumors. Press Release, Jan. 12, 2026.
AbbVie. AbbVie to Present New Data at ESMO 2025 Reinforcing Leadership in Advancing Targeted Therapies for Solid Tumors. Press Release, Oct. 13, 2025.