#United States #Multiple Myeloma #AbbVie #North Chicago #Simcere Zaiming

AbbVie Partners with Simcere Zaiming for Groundbreaking Cancer Treatment

In a significant advancement for the treatment of multiple myeloma, AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) has officially announced its partnership with Simcere Zaiming, a subsidiary of Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Ltd (HKEX: 2096). This collaboration will focus on the development of SIM0500, an investigational trispecific antibody currently undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma patients in both China and the United States.

The Potential of SIM0500

SIM0500 is a novel humanized trispecific antibody that targets three critical components: GPRC5D, BCMA, and CD3. This innovative drug has been independently developed by Simcere Zaiming using its proprietary T-cell engaging polyspecific antibody technology platform. Notably, SIM0500 is designed with a low affinity/high target-activating CD3 engaging arm and specific binding sites for the tumor antigens GPRC5D and BCMA. Pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that SIM0500 can effectively induce strong T-cell cytotoxicity against multiple myeloma cells by utilizing a combination of various anti-tumor mechanisms.

Mariana Cota Stirner, M.D., Ph.D., AbbVie’s Vice President and therapeutic area head for hematology, highlighted the commitment of AbbVie to advance treatments for complex cancers like multiple myeloma. She stated, "As a leader in hematologic malignancies, AbbVie is committed to advancing innovative treatments through our relentless research and development efforts and collaborations. We look forward to partnering with Simcere Zaiming to advance this novel trispecific antibody, which has the potential to help address significant unmet medical needs for people living with multiple myeloma."

A Strong Financial Agreement

Under the terms of their agreement, Simcere Zaiming will initially receive an upfront payment from AbbVie. Furthermore, they stand to gain additional option fees and milestone payments totaling up to $1.055 billion, alongside tiered royalties based on net sales outside of the Greater China territory. Conversely, AbbVie will earn tiered royalties on net sales within Greater China.

AbbVie’s Commitment to Oncology

AbbVie aims to transform the standards of care for patients facing difficult-to-treat cancers. Their robust oncology pipeline features investigational therapies covering various blood cancers and solid tumors. By focusing on targeted treatments designed to hinder cancer cell reproduction or facilitate their elimination, AbbVie continues to progress through diverse treatment modalities, such as small molecule therapeutics, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and immuno-oncology therapeutics.

The company is dedicated to exploring innovative solutions to help patients access their cancer medicines. Their expansive oncology portfolio includes approved and investigational therapies for a myriad of cancers, with over 20 investigational medicines currently in multiple clinical trials.

Simcere Zaiming’s Ambitious Mission

Founded in 2023, Simcere Zaiming is committed to addressing the unmet clinical needs of cancer patients globally. With a robust and innovative research and development pipeline, the company has previously launched several successful products in China, such as COSELA®, Enweida®, Endostar®, and Enlituo®. Simcere Zaiming aims to deliver potentially transformative treatment options for cancer patients worldwide through internal R&D, manufacturing, and commercialization capabilities, in addition to strategic collaborations with leading partners.

As both AbbVie and Simcere Zaiming embark on this groundbreaking partnership, the oncology community eagerly anticipates the advancements that could arise in the battle against multiple myeloma. The potential impact of SIM0500 on the lives of patients with this complex disease signifies the importance of continued innovation and collaboration in the field of cancer treatment.

For more information about AbbVie’s oncology initiatives and the ongoing clinical development of SIM0500, please visit their official website.