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

Rhea-AI Summary

AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) and RemeGen announced an exclusive licensing agreement dated Jan. 12, 2026 for RC148, a PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody in development for multiple advanced solid tumors including NSCLC and colorectal cancer.

Under the deal, AbbVie gains exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize RC148 outside the Greater China territory. RemeGen received a $650 million upfront payment and is eligible for up to $4.95 billion in development, regulatory, and commercial milestones, plus tiered double-digit royalties on net sales outside Greater China. Early clinical studies reported initial favorable antitumor activity for RC148 in combination with an ADC; AbbVie intends to explore combinations with its ADC programs including telisotuzumab adizutecan (Temab-A).

Positive

• Upfront payment of $650 million to RemeGen
• Potential milestone pool of $4.95 billion tied to development, regulatory, and commercial events
• AbbVie obtains exclusive rights to RC148 outside Greater China
• Early clinical data showed initial favorable antitumor activity for RC148 in combination with an ADC
• Opportunity to test combinations with AbbVie's ADC telisotuzumab adizutecan (Temab-A)

Negative

• AbbVie's rights exclude the Greater China territory, limiting its global exclusivity
• Clinical evidence described as early and initial, indicating development and regulatory risk
• Deal includes tiered double-digit royalties on net sales outside Greater China that could affect net margins

News Market Reaction

-0.02%

1 alert

-0.02% News Effect

On the day this news was published, ABBV declined 0.02%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Upfront payment to RemeGen: $650 million Potential milestone payments: $4.95 billion

2 metrics

Upfront payment to RemeGen $650 million Exclusive RC148 licensing agreement

Potential milestone payments $4.95 billion Aggregate development, regulatory, commercial milestones for RC148

Market Reality Check

Price: $223.74 Vol: Volume 6,631,069 is modes...

normal vol

$223.74 Last Close

Volume Volume 6,631,069 is modestly above the 20-day average of 6,072,754 (relative volume 1.09). normal

Technical Price 220.08 is trading above the 200-day MA of 206.52, despite a -1.81% move ahead of this news.

Peers on Argus

ABBV fell 1.81% while major peers JNJ, AZN, NVS, LLY, and NVO also showed modest...

ABBV fell 1.81% while major peers JNJ, AZN, NVS, LLY, and NVO also showed modest declines (e.g., LLY -2.14%, NVO -1.11%). However, no peers appeared in the momentum scanner, suggesting the move looked more stock-specific than part of a strong sector rotation.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 07 (Neutral)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 07	Earnings call notice	Neutral	+4.2%	Scheduled full-year and Q4 2025 earnings call and webcast details.
Jan 05	Conference appearance	Neutral	-4.0%	Announcement of participation at J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference.
Dec 02	Clinical data update	Positive	-0.3%	New ASH 2025 blood cancer data with strong efficacy metrics across programs.
Nov 24	Conference appearance	Neutral	-2.9%	Planned presentation at Piper Sandler healthcare conference with webcast access.
Nov 18	FDA approval	Positive	-0.1%	U.S. FDA approval of EPKINLY combo in relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma.

Pattern Detected

Recent positive clinical and regulatory updates (ASH data, FDA approval) were followed by flat to slightly negative next-day moves, suggesting a tendency for limited upside reaction to good news.

Recent Company History

Over the past few months, AbbVie has reported several notable events. An FDA approval for EPKINLY in follicular lymphoma and strong ASH 2025 hematology data highlighted ongoing oncology progress. The company also maintained an active presence at major healthcare conferences such as Piper Sandler and J.P. Morgan. A recent earnings call announcement on Feb 4, 2026 timing saw a positive price reaction. Against this backdrop, today’s bispecific antibody licensing deal adds another oncology asset to an already active development and partnership strategy.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement details an exclusive licensing agreement granting AbbVie rights to RC148, a PD-1/V...

Analysis

This announcement details an exclusive licensing agreement granting AbbVie rights to RC148, a PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody for advanced solid tumors, outside Greater China. RemeGen receives an upfront $650 million and may earn up to $4.95 billion in milestones plus royalties. The asset complements AbbVie’s existing ADC programs and broad oncology efforts. Investors may track future clinical data, combination studies with AbbVie ADCs, and any subsequent financial guidance updates reflecting this transaction.

Key Terms

pd-1, vegf, bispecific antibody, antibody-drug conjugate (adc), +4 more

8 terms

pd-1 medical

"a novel investigational Programmed Cell Death-1 (PD-1)/Vascular Endothelial..."

PD-1 is a protein found on certain immune cells that acts like a brake, signaling the immune system to slow down and avoid damaging healthy tissue. Drugs that block PD-1 release that brake so immune cells can better attack cancer cells; because such therapies can produce large clinical benefits, regulatory approvals, trial outcomes, pricing and market uptake for PD-1 drugs can materially affect a drugmaker’s prospects and investor returns.

vegf medical

"Programmed Cell Death-1 (PD-1)/Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)-targeted..."

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a naturally occurring protein that signals the body to grow new blood vessels, like a fertilizer prompts plants to sprout. It matters to investors because drugs that block or mimic VEGF can dramatically change outcomes for cancers and eye diseases, making them major drivers of clinical trial results, regulatory approvals, market value and future revenue potential for biopharma companies.

bispecific antibody medical

"RC148 is a novel PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody being evaluated..."

A bispecific antibody is a specially designed protein that can attach to two different targets at the same time. Think of it as a custom-made connector that brings two things together—such as a disease cell and an immune system component—helping the body fight illnesses more effectively. For investors, understanding bispecific antibodies is important because they represent innovative therapies that could lead to new treatments and potentially lucrative market opportunities.

antibody-drug conjugate (adc) medical

"tumor microenvironment for antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) activity..."

An antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) is a targeted medical treatment that combines an antibody, which acts like a guided missile seeking out specific cells, with a powerful drug to destroy those cells. It is designed to deliver medication directly to diseased cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissue. For investors, ADCs represent innovative therapies with potential for high growth, especially if they prove effective in treating difficult-to-cure conditions.

adc medical

"RC148 has shown initial favorable antitumor activity in combination with an ADC."

An antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) is a targeted cancer medicine that pairs an antibody that recognizes specific markers on tumor cells with a potent cell-killing drug, connected so the toxic payload is delivered directly to the cancer. For investors, ADCs matter because successful ADCs can improve patient outcomes and reduce side effects compared with traditional chemotherapy, shaping clinical trial success, regulatory approval chances, commercial demand, and a company’s valuation much like a guided missile versus a general bomb.

non-small cell lung cancer (nsclc) medical

"including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer..."

A common group of lung cancers that arise from the lungs’ cell lining and grow in ways different from the faster-spreading “small cell” form; think of it as several related varieties of the same illness rather than one single disease. It matters to investors because diagnosis rates, new drugs, diagnostic tests, and clinical trial results for these cancers can drive large, sustained revenue opportunities and regulatory decisions that materially affect healthcare and biotech company valuations.

colorectal cancer (crc) medical

"including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC)."

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a disease where abnormal cells grow in the colon or rectum, which are the final sections of the digestive tract; it can start as small growths and sometimes spread to other organs. Investors care because screening, treatment, and care for CRC drive demand for diagnostics, drugs, devices and services, and trial results, regulatory decisions, or changes in screening guidelines can materially affect the revenues and outlooks of healthcare companies, similar to how a new rule can change traffic for an entire industry.

immune checkpoint inhibition medical

"By combining the immune checkpoint inhibition and anti-angiogenic activity of RC148..."

Immune checkpoint inhibition is a cancer treatment approach that blocks natural “brakes” on the immune system so white blood cells can better recognize and attack tumors; think of lifting a speed limiter so the body’s defences can work harder. It matters to investors because these therapies can drive large sales if proven safe and effective, but their value depends on clinical trial results, regulatory approval, side-effect profiles and competition within a fast-moving field.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

-       RC148 is a novel PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody being evaluated in multiple advanced solid tumors including certain lung cancers

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. and YANTAI, China, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) and RemeGen today announced 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.

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.

About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology, neuroscience and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube. 

About AbbVie in Oncology
AbbVie is committed to elevating standards of care and bringing transformative therapies to patients worldwide living with difficult-to-treat cancers. We are advancing a dynamic pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of cancer types in both blood cancers and solid tumors. We are focusing on creating targeted medicines that either impede the reproduction of cancer cells or enable their elimination. We achieve this through various, targeted treatment modalities and biology interventions, including small molecule therapeutics, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), immuno-oncology-based therapeutics, multispecific antibody and novel CAR-T platforms. Our dedicated and experienced team joins forces with innovative partners to accelerate the delivery of potential breakthrough medicines.

Today, our expansive oncology portfolio comprises approved and investigational treatments for a wide range of blood cancers and solid tumors. We are evaluating more than 35 investigational medicines in multiple clinical trials across some of the world's most widespread and debilitating cancers. As we work to have a remarkable impact on people's lives, we are committed to exploring solutions to help patients obtain access to our cancer medicines. For more information, please visit http://www.abbvie.com/oncology.

About RemeGen
RemeGen Co., Ltd. is a leading innovative biopharmaceutical company in China focused on the discovery, development, manufacturing and commercialization of proprietary biologics. The company is dual-listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the STAR Market of the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

RemeGen has built a highly differentiated pipeline across autoimmune, oncology and ophthalmology, with a proven ability to rapidly translate innovative science into clinically and commercially meaningful medicines. Its two flagship products, telitacicept and disitamab vedotin, have received approvals for a total of six indications in China, underscoring RemeGen's strong capabilities in first-/best-in-class biologics discovery, efficient clinical execution and successful commercialization. Additional information is available on the company's website at https://www.remegen.com/

Forward-Looking Statements
Some statements in this news release are, or may be considered, forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project" and similar expressions and uses of future or conditional verbs, generally identify forward-looking statements. AbbVie cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, challenges to intellectual property, competition from other products, difficulties inherent in the research and development process, adverse litigation or government action, changes to laws and regulations applicable to our industry, the impact of global macroeconomic factors, such as economic downturns or uncertainty, international conflict, trade disputes and tariffs, and other uncertainties and risks associated with global business operations. Additional information about the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect AbbVie's operations is set forth in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," of AbbVie's 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as updated by its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in other documents that AbbVie subsequently files with the Securities and Exchange Commission that update, supplement or supersede such information. AbbVie undertakes no obligation, and specifically declines, to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent events or developments, except as required by law. 

AbbVie contacts:
Media: Sourojit (Jit) Bhowmick, Ph.D. jit.bhowmick@abbvie.com	Investors: Liz Shea liz.shea@abbvie.com

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/abbvie-and-remegen-announce-exclusive-licensing-agreement-to-develop-a-novel-bispecific-antibody-for-advanced-solid-tumors-302657854.html

SOURCE AbbVie

FAQ

What did AbbVie announce about RC148 on January 12, 2026 (NYSE: ABBV)?

AbbVie announced an exclusive licensing agreement with RemeGen to develop, manufacture, and commercialize RC148 outside Greater China.

How much did RemeGen receive upfront in the AbbVie RC148 deal (ABBV)?

RemeGen received an upfront payment of $650 million as part of the agreement.

What is the total potential value of the AbbVie and RemeGen RC148 agreement (ABBV)?

The agreement includes up to $4.95 billion in aggregate development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments plus tiered double-digit royalties outside Greater China.

Which territories does AbbVie control for RC148 after the deal (ABBV)?

AbbVie holds exclusive development, manufacturing, and commercialization rights for RC148 outside the Greater China territory.

What is RC148 and what clinical data were reported in the announcement involving ABBV?

RC148 is an investigational PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody; early clinical studies reported initial favorable antitumor activity in combination with an ADC.

Will AbbVie test RC148 with its own ADCs like telisotuzumab adizutecan (ABBV)?

Yes. AbbVie plans to explore combination regimens of RC148 with its ADC programs, including investigational telisotuzumab adizutecan (Temab-A).