Ipsen expands early development pipeline with Simcere Zaiming’s innovative antibody drug conjugate

On December 22, 2025 Ipsen (Euronext: IPN; ADR: IPSEY) reported an exclusive licensing agreement for global rights outside of Greater China, for SIM0613, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) with best-in-class potential. Targeting the LRRC15 protein, SIM0613 is designed for enhanced tumor penetration and differentiated anti-tumor activity in solid tumors with the highest unmet needs.

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"Today’s announcement underscores our bold vision to lead innovation and shape the future of oncology," said Christelle Huguet, PhD EVP and Head of Research & Development, Ipsen. "By advancing first- and best-in-class therapies early, we maximize the potential to transform patient outcomes globally. The addition of the SIM0613 ADC is testament to this ambition—pioneering science that opens new possibilities for those who need it most and builds on Ipsen’s rapidly evolving research and early development portfolio, with over 20 programs added since 2020."

"SIM0613 is developed via Simcere Zaiming’s proprietary antibody-drug conjugate platform," said Renhong Tang, PhD, CEO of Simcere Zaiming. "We are excited to partner with Ipsen on this novel drug candidate and look forward to working together to advance the clinical development of SIM0613. "

Under the terms of the agreement, Simcere Zaiming is eligible to receive up to $1.06B comprising upfront, development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments, and tiered royalties on sales, contingent upon successful development and regulatory approvals. Ipsen will have manufacturing rights, following the tech transfer process and will assume responsibility for all activities outside Greater China including Phase I preparation activities and submission of the Investigational New Drug and Clinical Trial applications.

About SIM0613
SIM0613 targets the leucine-rich repeat-containing 15 (LRRC15), a protein highly expressed on varies tumor types and cancer-associated fibroblasts but with limited expression on normal cells. Upon binding to the LRRC15 protein, SIM0613 is internalized where the cytotoxic payload is released, killing the cancer cell and therefore sparing healthy cells. SIM0613 is specifically engineered for deep tumor and cancer-associated fibroblast penetration, resulting in robust tumor regressions in multiple in vivo preclinical models.

(Press release, Ipsen, DEC 22, 2025, View Source [SID1234661579])