India Pharma Outlook Team | Wednesday, 14 January 2026
AbbVie and RemeGen have entered into an exclusive global licensing agreement to develop and commercialise RC148, an investigational bispecific antibody for cancer treatment. Under the agreement, AbbVie will hold rights to RC148 outside Greater China, while RemeGen will retain rights within the region.
RC148 is a novel bispecific antibody designed to target both programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). By simultaneously inhibiting immune checkpoint pathways and tumour angiogenesis, the therapy is intended to improve antitumour responses across multiple solid tumours. RemeGen is currently evaluating RC148 as a monotherapy as well as in combination regimens.
Early clinical studies have shown encouraging antitumour activity, particularly when RC148 is combined with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). These results have supported further development of the molecule in advanced cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer, where treatment resistance remains a major challenge.
As part of the collaboration, AbbVie plans to study RC148 in combination with its own oncology pipeline, including investigational ADCs such as telisotuzumab adizutecan. The company will also be responsible for global development, regulatory submissions, manufacturing and commercialisation outside Greater China.
Executives from both companies described the agreement as a strategic step aligned with their oncology development priorities. AbbVie stated that the deal strengthens its oncology pipeline by adding a differentiated immune-based therapy with potential use in combination settings. RemeGen noted that partnering with a global biopharmaceutical company will accelerate the international development of RC148 and broaden patient access.
Financially, the agreement includes an upfront payment of USD 650 million to RemeGen. In addition, RemeGen is eligible to receive development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments of up to USD 4.95 billion, along with tiered royalties on net sales outside Greater China.
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The deal reflects continued interest among global pharmaceutical companies in oncology drug development and combination therapy strategies aimed at improving outcomes in difficult-to-treat cancers.
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