AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a biopharmaceutical giant based in the US, has announced a licensing agreement with Beijing-based biotech FutureGen Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. The agreement centers around FutureGen’s preclinical asset, FG-M701, a next-generation TL1A antibody being developed for the treatment of irritable bowel disease (IBD). In this deal, AbbVie secures exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize FG-M701. The agreement includes a USD 150 million upfront payment, potential payments of up to USD 1.56 billion tied to clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestones, and tiered royalties in the low-double digits on future net sales.
TL1A, also known as TNFSF15, belongs to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family, a group of cell-signaling molecules that significantly impact immune function. This family includes blockbuster drugs like AbbVie’s Humira (adalimumab), an anti-TNF antibody.
AbbVie’s move places it in the forefront of a competitive market, as several multinational companies vie to introduce TL1A-targeted antibodies. This competition was sparked by promising early clinical trial data from candidates developed by Prometheus Biosciences and Roivant, suggesting the potential for significant improvements in clinical remission rates for IBD patients. In 2023, the space saw significant activity with Merck acquiring Prometheus for USD 10.8 billion for its TL1A antibody, MK-7240 (PRA-023), Roche acquiring Televant Holdings and its antibody RVT-3101 for USD 7.1 billion, and Sanofi and Teva Pharmaceuticals entering a USD 1.5 billion co-development partnership for the Phase IIb TL1A inhibitor TEV-’574.
AbbVie considers FutureGen’s FG-M701 a potential best-in-class candidate due to its unique engineering, which is designed to offer greater efficacy and the possibility of less frequent dosing for IBD treatment.
FutureGen utilizes its proprietary Structure-based Targeted Evolution Platform (STEP) for the development of high-quality antibodies and bi-/multi-specific antibodies. The company’s lead program is the Phase III asset FG-M108, an enhanced antibody targeting gastric cancer through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).- Flcube.com
