Adagene Announces that Third Arc Bio Has Selected First Lead Candidate under Amended Strategic Collaboration for Development of Masked CD3 T Cell Engagers Utilizing SAFEbody® Technology

On September 10, 2026 Adagene Inc. ("Adagene") (Nasdaq: ADAG), a platform-driven, clinical-stage biotechnology company transforming the discovery and development of novel antibody-based therapies reported that Third Arc Bio, Inc. ("Third Arc Bio") selected the first lead candidate under the amended strategic licensing agreement. The agreement was established in November 2025, under which Third Arc Bio utilizes Adagene’s NEObody and SAFEbody technology platform to generate masked CD3 T cell engagers against unique epitopes of tumor-associated antigens.

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Under the amended terms of the agreement, the companies have broadened the scope of the collaboration. In addition to selecting the first lead candidate, Third Arc Bio will also sponsor and fund the clinical development of such program. In recognition of this broadened scope, the total potential payments (including development and commercial-based milestones) payable to Adagene under the collaboration have increased. Adagene continues to hold a no-cost option to develop and commercialize the candidate molecules in Greater China, Singapore and South Korea.

"We are pleased with the progress of this collaboration and the first lead selection. We look forward to delivering transformational therapies to patients through this highly productive partnership," said Peter Lebowitz, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Third Arc Bio.

"We are proud to deepen our partnership with Third Arc Bio, a world class team with a track record of bringing innovative medicines including T cell engagers from discovery to commercialization for patients globally," said Peter Luo, Ph.D., Chairman, President of R&D and Chief Executive Officer of Adagene.

(Press release, Adagene, SEP 10, 2026, View Source [SID1234670744])