AbbVie and RemeGen have entered into an exclusive global licensing agreement aimed at advancing RC148, a novel investigational bispecific antibody targeting both Programmed Cell Death-1 (PD-1) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). The deal positions AbbVie to expand its oncology pipeline while giving RemeGen a significant partner to accelerate the development and commercialization of the therapy outside of Greater China.
RC148 is currently being developed by RemeGen as a monotherapy and in combination regimens across multiple advanced solid tumors. PD-1/VEGF-targeted bispecific antibodies represent a new and emerging class of cancer therapies designed to enhance the immune system’s ability to fight tumors. By simultaneously blocking PD-1, an immune checkpoint that suppresses T-cell activity, and VEGF, a key driver of tumor angiogenesis, these therapies aim to counteract tumor immune evasion and resistance mechanisms.
Beyond their standalone potential, PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibodies are increasingly being studied in combination approaches. Their ability to modulate immune suppression and improve the tumor microenvironment makes them particularly attractive partners for antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). In early clinical studies, RC148 has demonstrated encouraging initial antitumor activity when used in combination with an ADC, supporting further exploration of this strategy.
For AbbVie, RC148 strengthens an already diverse oncology portfolio and opens new avenues for combination regimens with the company’s ADC programs. These include investigational telisotuzumab adizutecan (Temab-A), which is being studied across multiple solid tumors with high unmet medical need, such as non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer.
AbbVie executives said the partnership reflects the company’s strategy of collaborating with innovative biopharmaceutical companies worldwide to drive scientific and clinical progress. RemeGen leadership described the agreement as a major milestone that validates the innovative potential of RC148 and supports the company’s goal of delivering cutting-edge cancer therapies to patients globally.
Under the terms of the agreement, AbbVie receives exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize RC148 outside Greater China. RemeGen will receive an upfront payment of $650 million and is eligible for up to $4.95 billion in additional milestone payments, along with tiered, double-digit royalties on net sales outside the licensed territory.