AbbVie and RemeGen, a China-based innovative biopharmaceutical company, have entered into an exclusive licensing agreement covering the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of RC148, a novel investigational PD-1/VEGF-targeted bispecific antibody for the treatment of advanced solid tumours.

RC148 is currently being developed by RemeGen as both a monotherapy and in combination regimens across multiple solid tumour indications. The agreement significantly expands AbbVie’s oncology pipeline while strengthening its long-term biologics manufacturing and global supply capabilities for complex antibody-based therapies.

PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibodies represent an emerging class of cancer therapies designed to simultaneously block immune checkpoint signalling and tumour angiogenesis. By targeting both PD-1 and VEGF pathways, these therapies aim to enhance anti-tumour immune responses and potentially overcome resistance mechanisms seen with conventional immunotherapies.

Beyond standalone use, PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibodies are increasingly being evaluated in combination with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), given their ability to reshape the tumour microenvironment and improve ADC activity. In early clinical studies, RC148 has demonstrated encouraging anti-tumour activity when combined with an ADC, supporting its potential role in multi-modal oncology regimens.

RC148 further strengthens AbbVie’s oncology portfolio and creates opportunities for combination development and scalable manufacturing alongside AbbVie’s investigational ADC assets, including telisotuzumab adizutecan (Temab-A). The company plans to explore such combinations across solid tumours with high unmet need, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC).

“Our partnership with RemeGen reflects AbbVie’s commitment to advancing next-generation oncology therapies while building global collaborations that support scientific innovation and manufacturing scale,” said Daejin Abidoye, M.D., Vice President and Therapeutic Area Head, Oncology, Solid Tumour and Haematology at AbbVie. “Combining immune checkpoint inhibition, anti-angiogenic mechanisms, and targeted cytotoxic delivery offers meaningful potential for patients across multiple tumour types.”

Dr. Jianmin Fang, Chief Executive Officer of RemeGen, said the collaboration marks an important milestone for the company. “This agreement highlights the innovative strength of RC148 and reinforces our strategy to partner globally to accelerate development, manufacturing, and patient access. Working with AbbVie allows us to maximize the clinical and commercial potential of RC148 both in China and internationally.”

Under the terms of the agreement, AbbVie receives exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize RC148 outside Greater China. RemeGen will receive an upfront payment of USD 650 million and is eligible for up to USD 4.95 billion in development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, along with tiered, double-digit royalties on net sales outside Greater China.

The transaction underscores AbbVie’s continued investment in complex biologics manufacturing, including bispecific antibodies and ADC combinations, as global pharmaceutical companies increasingly seek scalable platforms for next-generation oncology products.

AbbVie’s mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that address serious health challenges today while preparing for the medical needs of tomorrow.

RemeGen is a leading innovative biopharmaceutical company in China focused on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of proprietary biologic therapies.