Bi-specific antibodies (BsAbs) are therapeutic molecules that have shown promise in immunotherapy, as an alternative to conventional mAbs (monoclonal antibodies). “The benefit of bi-specific antibodies is to link the immune effector cell into the tumor or stimulate two pathways with a synergistic effort,” I-Mab’s Raven Lin told us.
In this collaboration, ABL’s BsAb platform will be used to further develop therapeutics. ABL will pay $2.5m (€2.2m) upfront, with the possibility of aggregate payments up to $100m for R&D, regulatory and sales-based milestone payments.
ABL will also pay tiered royalties on net sales, and the firms will share global rights to the molecules.
“This agreement covers four different BsAbs of undisclosed targets, including one global out-licensing, excluding Greater China, to ABL for all indications with a primary focus on oncology, and three other co-development programs,” said Lin.
“We are at fast pace of development towards an integrated pharmaceutical company, we expect to establish more partnerships in near future to support our rapid growth and set up global footprint,” Lin added.
I-Mab has also completed in-licensing deals with pharmaceutical companies such as MorphoSys AG and Genexine. In addition, ABL recently entered into a licensing agreement with TRIGR Therapeutics to work on BsAbs for oncology.