BASEL (dpa-AFX) - Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis AG (NVS) announced it has entered into a licensing and option agreement with China-based Abogen Biosciences to develop mRNA-encoded therapies, including an exclusive worldwide licence to Abogen's lead asset, ABO2203.
The deal includes a $575 million upfront payment, while Abogen could receive up to approximately $7.2 billion in milestone payments if all options are exercised and development, regulatory and commercial milestones are achieved. Potential royalties on future product sales are also included.
ABO2203 is an mRNA-encoded CD19xCD3 T-cell engager designed to direct the body to produce the therapy in vivo and deplete B cells. Abogen has previously reported early clinical data for ABO2203 in relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, while the company describes it as the first mRNA-encoded T-cell engager to enter clinical evaluation for autoimmune diseases.
Novartis will also have exclusive options to license additional programmes developed using Abogen's RNA platform. The agreement remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory clearances.
NVS is currently trading at $140.28 down $0.78 or 0.55 percent on the New York Stock Exchange.
Copyright(c) 2026 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
© 2026 AFX News
