Abogen Biosciences has entered into a licensing and option agreement with Novartis to develop RNA-encoded therapies, including a potential new treatment approach for autoimmune diseases.
Under the agreement, Novartis will receive an exclusive worldwide license to Abogen’s lead program, ABO2203. The deal also gives Novartis options to license additional therapeutic programs developed using Abogen’s proprietary RNA platform.
ABO2203 is an mRNA-encoded CD19xCD3 T-cell engager designed to target B cells, which play an important role in several autoimmune diseases. The therapy uses mRNA to instruct cells in the body to produce T-cell engagers directly, rather than relying on traditional recombinant proteins made outside the body.
Abogen said this approach could offer a new way to deplete B cells and potentially help reset the immune system in patients with B-cell-mediated autoimmune disorders.
The company described ABO2203 as the first mRNA-encoded T-cell engager to enter clinical evaluation for autoimmune diseases. Abogen said the program highlights the potential of its RNA technology beyond vaccines and could support the development of new therapies for immune-related conditions.
“ABO2203 is the first mRNA-encoded T-cell engager to enter clinical evaluation for autoimmune diseases,” said Bo Ying, CEO of Abogen Biosciences. He added that the partnership could help accelerate development of ABO2203 and explore additional therapeutic targets using the company’s RNA platform.
Novartis also said mRNA-encoded T-cell engagers could provide another approach to achieving a lasting immune reset in autoimmune diseases. Fiona Marshall, President of Biomedical Research at Novartis, said the company plans to further explore ABO2203 and other potential applications of Abogen’s RNA platform.
Under the proposed agreement, Abogen will receive an upfront payment of $575 million. If Novartis exercises all available options across the programs, Abogen could receive up to approximately $7.2 billion in milestone payments tied to development, regulatory and commercial achievements.
Abogen may also receive royalties on future product sales.
The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including required regulatory clearances.