AbbVie and RemeGen Announce Exclusive Licensing Agreement to Develop A Novel Bispecific Antibody for Advanced Solid Tumors

On January 12, 2026 AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) and RemeGen reported an exclusive licensing agreement for the development, manufacturing and commercialization of RC148, a novel investigational Programmed Cell Death-1 (PD-1)/Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)-targeted bispecific antibody. RC148 is currently being developed by RemeGen as a monotherapy and in combination regimens across multiple advanced solid tumors.

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PD-1/VEGF-targeted bispecific antibodies represent a new class of cancer therapies that aim to help the immune system fight tumors more effectively and potentially overcome tumor resistance mechanisms by blocking both PD-1 and VEGF simultaneously. Additionally, given their potential to modulate both immune suppression and foster a favorable tumor microenvironment for antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) activity, PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibodies are also being explored in combination with ADCs. In early clinical studies, RC148 has shown initial favorable antitumor activity in combination with an ADC.

RC148 further strengthens AbbVie’s diverse oncology portfolio. In particular, it may offer new opportunities to explore combination regimens with AbbVie’s ADCs such as investigational telisotuzumab adizutecan (Temab-A), across multiple solid tumors with high unmet need including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC).

"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. "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," said Dr. Jianmin Fang, chief executive officer of RemeGen. "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."

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

(Press release, AbbVie, JAN 12, 2026, View Source [SID1234661988])