#United States #AbbVie #North Chicago #Ichnos Glenmark #ISB 2001

AbbVie and IGI Therapeutics Announce Major Licensing Agreement

In a significant development for oncology treatments, AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) and Ichnos Glenmark Innovation (IGI) have entered into an exclusive global licensing agreement for the novel trispecific antibody ISB 2001. This innovative therapeutic is currently undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials aimed at treating patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM).

A New Era in Immuno-Oncology

The introduction of multispecific therapies, including trispecific antibodies like ISB 2001, highlights a transformative approach in immuno-oncology. These therapies deliver the potential for deeper, more lasting patient responses by engaging multiple targets at once. Dr. Roopal Thakkar, AbbVie's Executive VP of R&D, emphasized that this collaboration reflects AbbyVie’s ongoing commitment to pioneer advanced therapies for patients grappling with multiple myeloma, a disease characterized by significant unmet medical needs.

Dr. Cyril Konto, President and CEO of IGI, remarked that ISB 2001 showcases the capabilities of their proprietary BEAT® protein platform, designed to overcome resistance in hard-to-treat cancers. The partnership with AbbVie not only accelerates the development of ISB 2001 for patients but also aligns with IGI's goal of advancing the next generation of BEAT®-enabled therapies in oncology.

Terms of the Agreement

Under the terms set forth in the licensing deal, AbbVie will gain exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize ISB 2001 across several key markets, including North America, Europe, Japan, and Greater China. The agreement stipulates an upfront payment of $700 million to IGI, coupled with potential development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments that could total up to $1.225 billion, in addition to tiered royalties from future net sales.

Insights into ISB 2001

ISB 2001 stands out as a first-in-class trispecific T-cell engager targeting both BCMA and CD38 on myeloma cells while also connecting with CD3 on T cells. This strategic targeting, enhanced by its dual binding mechanism, aims to improve responses and safety compared to earlier bispecific antibodies. Recent data presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting illustrated a promising overall response rate (ORR) of 79%, with 30% achieving complete or stringent complete responses at dosages of ≥ 50 µg/kg among heavily pretreated patients.

Additionally, the U.S. FDA granted ISB 2001 Orphan Drug Designation in July 2023, further signifying its potential in the treatment landscape of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. With Fast Track Designation achieved in May 2025, ISB 2001 is on a fast track towards becoming a potent therapeutic option in this space.

The BEAT® Multispecific™ Platform

IGI's BEAT® platform goes beyond the traditional limitations of bispecific antibody design, aiming to create more effective immune cell engagers. By utilizing a specialized library of common light chains and enhancing heavy chain pairing, BEAT® facilitates the production of multispecific therapeutic agents with improved stability and function. The versatility of BEAT® allows for innovative designs that can engage various immune cell types against multiple antigens, showcasing a broad potential in cancer therapy.

Conclusion

The partnership between AbbVie and IGI marks a significant milestone in the advancement of cancer treatments, particularly for complex diseases like multiple myeloma. With ISB 2001 at the forefront of this initiative, both companies are well-positioned to contribute meaningful advancements in the healthcare sector, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and revolutionize treatment protocols for those affected by life-altering illnesses.