Ichnos Glenmark and AbbVie Forge Advanced Licensing Deal for ISB 2001 Trispecific Antibody
In a significant advance for oncology treatments, Ichnos Glenmark Innovation, Inc. (IGI) has entered into a global licensing agreement with AbbVie for ISB 2001, a first-in-class trispecific antibody designed to target multiple antigens in the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM). This partnership underscores the rising potential of multispecific therapies in combating complex cancers where current options fall short.
The agreement allows AbbVie exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize ISB 2001 across North America, Europe, Japan, and Greater China. As part of the contract, IGI will receive an upfront payment of $700 million and could benefit from up to $1.225 billion in milestone payments tied to development, regulatory approvals, and commercial success. Royalties are also included, providing a steady flow of income aligned with ISB 2001's market performance.
ISB 2001 is distinct due to its engineering as a trispecific T-cell engager, which means it can bind to three different targets at once. It specifically targets BCMA and CD38 on myeloma cells while also engaging CD3 on T cells, which is crucial for activating the immune response against cancer cells. This innovative approach aims not only to overcome the limitations present in previous antibody therapies but also to enhance therapeutic efficacy.
Currently, ISB 2001 is undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials, with initial data showing promising results. The 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting highlighted findings from 35 patients, demonstrating a remarkable overall response rate (ORR) of 79%, with a stringent complete response (sCR) rate of 30% at certain dosages. Importantly, these results were achieved in a heavily pretreated population, indicating ISB 2001’s potential in previously challenging cases.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted ISB 2001 an Orphan Drug Designation in July 2023 and subsequently awarded it Fast Track Designation in May 2025. These recognitions are critical milestones that could expedite ISB 2001's development and approval process, providing crucial support to the patients it aims to serve.
At the core of ISB 2001's design is IGI's proprietary BEAT® protein platform. Unlike traditional antibody approaches, BEAT® addresses significant engineering challenges that have limited effective multispecific antibody production. The platform allows for the development of immune cell engagers that maintain the structural integrity and functional benefits akin to natural antibodies, leveraging both light and heavy chains. This innovative design offers several advantages, including stability, low immunogenicity, and enhanced manufacturability, thus leading to sustained high titers and favorable safety profiles.
IGI, a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in New York, is focused on creating cutting-edge biologics that address complex diseases. The firm is committed to moving beyond conventional treatment paradigms and is developing a range of first-in-class multispecific antibodies to assist patients battling various malignancies more effectively.
According to Cyril Konto, M.D., President and CEO of IGI, this licensing agreement marks a pivotal milestone in the company’s journey. It reflects IGI's commitment to delivering meaningful and innovative therapies to patients. With AbbVie’s extensive oncology pipeline and resources, the collaboration is expected to accelerate ISB 2001's development, ultimately benefiting a significant number of multiple myeloma patients worldwide.
As the landscape of cancer therapies evolves, the partnership between Ichnos Glenmark Innovation and AbbVie stands as a testament to the potential for innovative solutions in oncology. The impactful aspects of ISB 2001 and the comprehensive support from AbbVie highlight a forward-thinking approach that could reshape treatment options for those afflicted by relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. As advancements in biotechnology continue to emerge, the hopes for improved patient outcomes become increasingly achievable.
Overview of ISB 2001 and the Agreement
The agreement allows AbbVie exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize ISB 2001 across North America, Europe, Japan, and Greater China. As part of the contract, IGI will receive an upfront payment of $700 million and could benefit from up to $1.225 billion in milestone payments tied to development, regulatory approvals, and commercial success. Royalties are also included, providing a steady flow of income aligned with ISB 2001's market performance.
ISB 2001 is distinct due to its engineering as a trispecific T-cell engager, which means it can bind to three different targets at once. It specifically targets BCMA and CD38 on myeloma cells while also engaging CD3 on T cells, which is crucial for activating the immune response against cancer cells. This innovative approach aims not only to overcome the limitations present in previous antibody therapies but also to enhance therapeutic efficacy.
Clinical Trial Successes
Currently, ISB 2001 is undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials, with initial data showing promising results. The 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting highlighted findings from 35 patients, demonstrating a remarkable overall response rate (ORR) of 79%, with a stringent complete response (sCR) rate of 30% at certain dosages. Importantly, these results were achieved in a heavily pretreated population, indicating ISB 2001’s potential in previously challenging cases.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted ISB 2001 an Orphan Drug Designation in July 2023 and subsequently awarded it Fast Track Designation in May 2025. These recognitions are critical milestones that could expedite ISB 2001's development and approval process, providing crucial support to the patients it aims to serve.
The BEAT® Protein Platform
At the core of ISB 2001's design is IGI's proprietary BEAT® protein platform. Unlike traditional antibody approaches, BEAT® addresses significant engineering challenges that have limited effective multispecific antibody production. The platform allows for the development of immune cell engagers that maintain the structural integrity and functional benefits akin to natural antibodies, leveraging both light and heavy chains. This innovative design offers several advantages, including stability, low immunogenicity, and enhanced manufacturability, thus leading to sustained high titers and favorable safety profiles.
IGI's Commitment to breakthrough Therapies
IGI, a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in New York, is focused on creating cutting-edge biologics that address complex diseases. The firm is committed to moving beyond conventional treatment paradigms and is developing a range of first-in-class multispecific antibodies to assist patients battling various malignancies more effectively.
According to Cyril Konto, M.D., President and CEO of IGI, this licensing agreement marks a pivotal milestone in the company’s journey. It reflects IGI's commitment to delivering meaningful and innovative therapies to patients. With AbbVie’s extensive oncology pipeline and resources, the collaboration is expected to accelerate ISB 2001's development, ultimately benefiting a significant number of multiple myeloma patients worldwide.
Conclusion
As the landscape of cancer therapies evolves, the partnership between Ichnos Glenmark Innovation and AbbVie stands as a testament to the potential for innovative solutions in oncology. The impactful aspects of ISB 2001 and the comprehensive support from AbbVie highlight a forward-thinking approach that could reshape treatment options for those afflicted by relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. As advancements in biotechnology continue to emerge, the hopes for improved patient outcomes become increasingly achievable.
Topics Health）
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