AbbVie and Simcere Partner to Develop Trispecific Antibody for Multiple Myeloma

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. and SHANGHAI, Jan. 13, 2025 – AbbVie, a prominent company in the biopharmaceutical sector, along with Simcere Zaiming, a subsidiary of Simcere Pharmaceutical Group, announced a strategic collaboration to further develop SIM0500. This investigational drug is currently undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials aimed at treating relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM) both in China and the United States.

SIM0500 is a pioneering humanized trispecific antibody engineered using Simcere Zaiming's advanced T-cell engager technology. The antibody is designed to target three specific proteins: GPRC5D, BCMA, and CD3. The innovative structure of SIM0500 includes a CD3 engaging arm that possesses low affinity but high target activation, as well as binding sites for GPRC5D and BCMA, two tumor antigens. This unique design enhances the antibody's ability to induce T cell cytotoxicity against MM cells through a combination of antitumor mechanisms.

Mariana Cota Stirner, M.D., Ph.D., the vice president and therapeutic area head for hematology at AbbVie, expressed optimism about the collaboration. She emphasized that AbbVie, recognized for its leadership in hematologic malignancies, is dedicated to advancing therapies for challenging cancers like multiple myeloma. The company is eager to work with Simcere Zaiming to push forward the development of this promising trispecific antibody, which may address critical unmet medical needs for MM patients.

Renhong Tang, PhD, CEO of Simcere Zaiming, also highlighted the significance of this partnership. He noted that the development of SIM0500 through Simcere Zaiming's proprietary platform is a milestone, and collaboration with AbbVie brings exciting prospects for advancing the clinical development of this novel drug candidate.

Financial aspects of the agreement reveal that Simcere Zaiming will receive an upfront payment from AbbVie, with the potential to earn up to $1.055 billion through option fees and milestone payments. Additionally, Simcere Zaiming is entitled to tiered royalties on net sales outside the Greater China region, while AbbVie will earn royalties on sales within Greater China.

AbbVie has a robust commitment to transforming cancer treatment standards, focusing on difficult-to-treat conditions. The company's oncology research pipeline is extensive, featuring investigational therapies for both blood and solid tumors. AbbVie aims to develop targeted treatments that either hinder cancer cell proliferation or facilitate their destruction, utilizing diverse therapeutic modalities, including small molecule drugs, antibody-drug conjugates, and immuno-oncology therapies. The company collaborates with innovative partners to expedite the delivery of potentially groundbreaking medications.

Simcere Zaiming is dedicated to addressing the unmet clinical needs of cancer patients worldwide. Since its inception in 2023, the company has launched several innovative products in China and is committed to delivering transformative treatment options through its extensive R&D capabilities and strategic partnerships.