Vor Bio Enters into Exclusive Global License Agreement with RemeGen for Late-Stage Autoimmune Asset
Vor Bio (Nasdaq: VOR) has entered into an exclusive global license agreement with RemeGen for telitacicept, a novel dual-target fusion protein targeting autoimmune diseases. The deal grants Vor Bio rights outside Greater China for the late-stage asset, which is already approved in China for generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Under the agreement, RemeGen will receive an initial payment of $125 million ($45 million upfront plus $80 million in warrants), potential regulatory and commercial milestones exceeding $4 billion, and tiered royalties. A global Phase 3 trial is currently enrolling patients with results expected in H1 2027.
Additionally, Vor Bio appointed Jean-Paul Kress, MD, as CEO and Chairman, replacing Robert Ang. Dr. Kress brings significant experience from leadership roles at MorphoSys, Syntimmune, and other biopharma companies.
Vor Bio (Nasdaq: VOR) ha stipulato un accordo esclusivo di licenza globale con RemeGen per telitacicept, una nuova proteina di fusione a doppio bersaglio per il trattamento delle malattie autoimmuni. L'accordo conferisce a Vor Bio i diritti al di fuori della Grande Cina per questo farmaco in fase avanzata di sviluppo, già approvato in Cina per la miastenia grave generalizzata (gMG), il lupus eritematoso sistemico (LES) e l'artrite reumatoide (AR).
Secondo l'accordo, RemeGen riceverà un pagamento iniziale di 125 milioni di dollari (45 milioni anticipati e 80 milioni in warrant), potenziali milestone regolatorie e commerciali superiori a 4 miliardi di dollari e royalties a scaglioni. È in corso un trial globale di Fase 3 che sta reclutando pazienti, con risultati attesi nel primo semestre del 2027.
Inoltre, Vor Bio ha nominato Jean-Paul Kress, MD, come CEO e Presidente, in sostituzione di Robert Ang. Il dottor Kress vanta una significativa esperienza in ruoli dirigenziali presso MorphoSys, Syntimmune e altre aziende biofarmaceutiche.
Vor Bio (Nasdaq: VOR) ha firmado un acuerdo exclusivo de licencia global con RemeGen para telitacicept, una novedosa proteína de fusión de doble objetivo para enfermedades autoinmunes. El acuerdo otorga a Vor Bio los derechos fuera de la Gran China para este activo en etapa avanzada, que ya está aprobado en China para miastenia gravis generalizada (gMG), lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) y artritis reumatoide (AR).
Según el acuerdo, RemeGen recibirá un pago inicial de 125 millones de dólares (45 millones por adelantado y 80 millones en warrants), posibles hitos regulatorios y comerciales que superan los 4 mil millones de dólares, y regalías escalonadas. Actualmente se está reclutando pacientes para un ensayo global de fase 3, con resultados esperados para el primer semestre de 2027.
Además, Vor Bio nombró a Jean-Paul Kress, MD, como CEO y presidente, en reemplazo de Robert Ang. El Dr. Kress aporta una amplia experiencia en cargos directivos en MorphoSys, Syntimmune y otras compañías biofarmacéuticas.
Vor Bio (나스닥: VOR)는 자가면역 질환을 표적으로 하는 새로운 이중 타깃 융합 단백질인 텔리타시셉트에 대해 RemeGen과 독점 글로벌 라이선스 계약을 체결했습니다. 이 계약을 통해 Vor Bio는 중국 본토를 제외한 지역에서 이 후기 단계 자산에 대한 권리를 획득했으며, 해당 약물은 이미 중국에서 전신 중증 근무력증(gMG), 전신 홍반 루푸스(SLE), 류마티스 관절염(RA)에 대해 승인받았습니다.
계약에 따라 RemeGen은 1억 2,500만 달러의 초기 지급금(선불 4,500만 달러 및 8,000만 달러 워런트 포함), 40억 달러가 넘는 규제 및 상업적 마일스톤, 그리고 단계별 로열티를 받게 됩니다. 현재 글로벌 3상 임상시험이 환자 모집 중이며, 결과는 2027년 상반기에 발표될 예정입니다.
또한 Vor Bio는 Jean-Paul Kress 박사를 CEO 겸 이사회 의장으로 임명하여 Robert Ang를 대체했습니다. Kress 박사는 MorphoSys, Syntimmune 및 기타 바이오 제약 회사에서의 리더십 경험을 보유하고 있습니다.
Vor Bio (Nasdaq : VOR) a conclu un accord de licence mondiale exclusive avec RemeGen pour le telitacicept, une nouvelle protéine de fusion à double cible destinée aux maladies auto-immunes. Cet accord confère à Vor Bio les droits en dehors de la Grande Chine pour cet actif en phase avancée, déjà approuvé en Chine pour la myasthénie grave généralisée (gMG), le lupus érythémateux systémique (LES) et la polyarthrite rhumatoïde (PR).
Dans le cadre de cet accord, RemeGen recevra un paiement initial de 125 millions de dollars (45 millions en avance plus 80 millions en bons de souscription), des jalons réglementaires et commerciaux potentiels dépassant les 4 milliards de dollars, ainsi que des redevances échelonnées. Un essai mondial de phase 3 est en cours de recrutement, avec des résultats attendus au premier semestre 2027.
Par ailleurs, Vor Bio a nommé Jean-Paul Kress, MD, comme PDG et président, en remplacement de Robert Ang. Le Dr Kress apporte une expérience significative acquise lors de postes de direction chez MorphoSys, Syntimmune et d'autres sociétés biopharmaceutiques.
Vor Bio (Nasdaq: VOR) hat eine exklusive globale Lizenzvereinbarung mit RemeGen für Telitacicept abgeschlossen, ein neuartiges Dual-Target-Fusionsprotein zur Behandlung von Autoimmunerkrankungen. Der Vertrag gewährt Vor Bio die Rechte außerhalb des Großraums China für das fortgeschrittene Asset, das in China bereits für generalisierte Myasthenia gravis (gMG), systemischen Lupus erythematodes (SLE) und rheumatoide Arthritis (RA) zugelassen ist.
Im Rahmen der Vereinbarung erhält RemeGen eine Erstzahlung von 125 Millionen US-Dollar (45 Millionen im Voraus plus 80 Millionen in Optionsscheinen), potenzielle regulatorische und kommerzielle Meilensteine von über 4 Milliarden US-Dollar sowie gestaffelte Lizenzgebühren. Eine globale Phase-3-Studie rekrutiert derzeit Patienten, mit Ergebnissen, die für das erste Halbjahr 2027 erwartet werden.
Darüber hinaus ernannte Vor Bio Jean-Paul Kress, MD, zum CEO und Chairman und löste damit Robert Ang ab. Dr. Kress bringt umfangreiche Führungserfahrung aus Positionen bei MorphoSys, Syntimmune und anderen Biopharma-Unternehmen mit.
- Strategic acquisition of late-stage autoimmune asset already approved in China for multiple indications
- Global Phase 3 trial actively enrolling with results expected in H1 2027
- Appointment of experienced CEO Jean-Paul Kress with proven track record in drug development and commercialization
- Novel dual-target mechanism targeting BlyS and APRIL pathways for autoimmune diseases
- Significant upfront cost of $125 million including $45 million cash payment
- Substantial future payment obligations with over $4 billion in potential milestones
- Phase 3 results not expected until first half of 2027
- Departure of previous CEO Robert Ang
Insights
Vor Bio transforms from cell therapy to autoimmune player through $125M telitacicept deal and strategic CEO appointment.
This licensing agreement represents a significant strategic pivot for Vor Bio, traditionally focused on engineered hematopoietic stem cell therapies for cancer. By acquiring ex-Greater China rights to telitacicept, Vor gains an advanced clinical asset targeting autoimmune diseases with established proof-of-concept in multiple indications.
The deal structure reveals careful capital allocation:
Telitacicept's dual-inhibition mechanism targeting both BLyS and APRIL provides differentiation from single-target therapies like GSK's Benlysta (belimumab). This approach could yield efficacy advantages in B-cell mediated autoimmune conditions.
The concurrent appointment of Jean-Paul Kress as CEO is particularly strategic. His background at MorphoSys (successfully launching Monjuvi) and experience with Syntimmune's acquisition by Alexion demonstrates relevant expertise in both autoimmune drug development and successful commercialization - precisely what Vor needs for this pivot.
With global Phase 3 trials already enrolling and data expected in H1 2027, Vor has acquired a relatively de-risked late-stage asset. The drug's approval in China for multiple indications further validates its mechanism and potential, significantly reducing clinical risk compared to earlier-stage assets.
This transaction represents a complete strategic redirection for Vor Bio, transforming from a preclinical cell therapy developer into a late-stage autoimmune-focused company with a path to commercialization. The strategic rationale is compelling:
1) Immediate pipeline maturation: Vor leapfrogs years of early development by acquiring a Phase 3 asset with established clinical validation (already approved in China for multiple indications).
2) Diversification into lucrative autoimmune market: The global autoimmune therapeutics market exceeds
3) Leadership upgrade: Jean-Paul Kress brings exactly the commercialization expertise needed for this transition, with specific experience launching immunology products and navigating the transition from development to market.
4) Financial structure optimization: The deal preserves cash while giving RemeGen equity exposure, aligning both companies' interests in Vor's success.
This move mirrors successful strategic pivots like Biogen's 2006 Fumapharm acquisition (which brought Tecfidera) or Jazz Pharmaceuticals' transformation through its GW Pharma acquisition. The
For RemeGen, this partnership represents classic value maximization - monetizing ex-China rights while retaining their core market. The simultaneous CEO change indicates this was likely a board-driven strategic reset rather than an opportunistic deal, suggesting comprehensive strategic repositioning.
-Vor Bio receives ex-Greater China rights to develop and commercialize telitacicept, a novel, dual-target recombinant fusion protein in global Phase 3 development for generalized myasthenia gravis
-RemeGen receives initial payment of
-Seasoned biopharma leader, Jean-Paul Kress, MD, appointed as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, bringing proven track record in clinical development, commercialization, and strategic growth
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vor Bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: VOR) and RemeGen Co., Ltd. (HKEX: 9995, SHA: 688331) today announced entry into an exclusive license agreement granting Vor Bio global rights (excluding China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) to develop and commercialize telitacicept, a novel dual-target fusion protein approved in China for generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Under the terms of the agreement, Vor Bio will pay RemeGen an initial payment of
Telitacicept is a novel, investigational fusion protein that targets key immune pathways involved in autoimmune disease. By selectively inhibiting BlyS (also known as BAFF) and APRIL - cytokines critical to B cell survival - telitacicept reduces autoreactive B cells and autoantibody production. RemeGen is conducting a global Phase 3 clinical trial which is now enrolling in the United States, Europe, and South America, with initial results expected in the first half of 2027.
Vor Bio also announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) has appointed Jean-Paul Kress, M.D., as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, effective today. This follows Dr. Robert Ang’s resignation from the positions of Chief Executive Officer and director earlier today. Dr. Ang will continue with Vor Bio as a strategic advisor to assist in the transition through October 2025. Dr. Kress’s strategic vision and track record of transformative leadership position him to guide the company into its next phase of growth.
"I am absolutely thrilled to be leading Vor Bio as we transform the company to become a major player in autoimmune disease treatment," said Dr. Kress, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Vor Bio. "Targeting BAFF/APRIL signaling with telitacicept represents a significant advancement in addressing autoantibody driven diseases, which is highly differentiated from other modalities in this space. With a clinically advanced asset, we are uniquely positioned to develop this innovative therapy, with the goal of making a meaningful impact for patients living with autoimmune diseases around the world."
Dr. Kress brings decades of executive leadership experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of MorphoSys, where he led the development, approval and commercialization of Monjuvi®️ (tafasitamab), and advanced the company’s pipeline through the landmark acquisition of Constellation Pharmaceuticals in 2021, strengthening MorphoSys’ position in oncology innovation and ultimately leading to its subsequent acquisition by Novartis in 2024. Prior to that, he was CEO of Syntimmune, guiding its lead immunology program through to acquisition by Alexion Pharmaceuticals. He currently serves on the Board of Sanofi S.A. and has held senior roles across leading biopharma companies.
“Today marks a transformative milestone for RemeGen and the global development of telitacicept,” said Dr. Jianmin Fang, CEO of RemeGen. “The strategic out-licensing of telitacicept’s ex-China rights accelerates our mission to deliver this innovative therapy to patients worldwide and will help maximize telitacicept’s clinical and commercial potential on the global scale.”
About Telitacicept
Telitacicept is a novel, investigational recombinant fusion protein designed to treat autoimmune diseases by selectively inhibiting BLyS (BAFF) and APRIL - two cytokines essential to B cell and plasma cell survival. This dual-target mechanism reduces autoreactive B cells and autoantibody production, key drivers of autoimmune pathology. In a Phase 3 clinical trial in generalized myasthenia gravis in China, telitacicept demonstrated a 4.8-point improvement in MG-ADL (Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living scale) vs. placebo at 24 weeks, the primary endpoint of the trial.
Telitacicept is approved in China for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). A global Phase 3 clinical trial in gMG is currently underway across the United States, Europe, and South America to support potential approval in the United States and Europe.
About Vor Bio
Vor Bio is a clinical-stage biotechnology company transforming the treatment of autoimmune diseases. The company is focused on rapidly advancing telitacicept, a novel dual-target fusion protein, through Phase 3 clinical development and commercialization to address serious autoantibody-driven conditions worldwide. For more information visit www.vorbio.com.
About RemeGen Co. Ltd.
Founded in 2008, RemeGen is a leading biopharmaceutical company in China committed to providing solutions to the unmet clinical needs of patients suffering from life-threatening illnesses. RemeGen has research laboratories and offices in China and the United States. The company is committed to discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative and differentiated biologic drugs of significant clinical value in the key therapeutic areas of autoimmune, oncology, and ophthalmic diseases.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “aim,” “anticipate,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “design,” “enable,” “expect,” “initiate,” “intend,” “may,” “on-track,” “ongoing,” “plan,” “potential,” “should,” “target,” “update,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements in this press release include Vor Bio’s statements regarding its plans for development and commercialization of telitacicept, the potential of telitacicept in various indications, the timing and pace of patient enrollment and dosing in clinical trials and the availability of data therefrom, the expected safety profile of telitacicept, the market opportunities for telitacicept and the ability of telitacicept to transform patient lives. Vor Bio may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including: uncertainties inherent in the initiation and completion of preclinical studies and clinical trials and clinical development of Vor Bio’s product candidates; availability and timing of results from preclinical studies and clinical trials; whether interim results from a clinical trial will be predictive of the final results of the trial or the results of future trials; uncertainties regarding regulatory approvals to conduct trials or to market products; and availability of funding sufficient for its foreseeable and unforeseeable operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements and Vor Bio’s ability to continue as a going concern. These and other risks are described in greater detail under the caption “Risk Factors” included in Vor Bio’s most recent annual or quarterly report and in other reports it has filed or may file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Vor Bio expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.
Contact:
Investors & Media
Sarah Spencer
+1 857-242-6076
sspencer@vorbio.com
FAQ
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