Abogen licenses ABO2203 to Novartis in global deal

Abogen Biosciences has entered a licensing and option agreement with Novartis covering ABO2203, its lead mRNA-encoded T-cell engager, according to Thepharmaletter.

The agreement grants Novartis an exclusive worldwide license to ABO2203. Thepharmaletter reported that the deal is worth up to $7.8 billion.

Lead asset covered by worldwide license

ABO2203 is Abogen’s lead asset and is the central program in the agreement, according to Thepharmaletter. The publisher described Abogen as a China biotech focused on mRNA therapeutics and Novartis as the Swiss pharma company receiving the license.

The exclusive worldwide license establishes Novartis as the licensee for the mRNA-encoded T-cell engager. The agreement brings the companies together around a lead program from Abogen’s mRNA therapeutics portfolio.

Options extend to RNA-platform programs

In addition to ABO2203, the licensing and option agreement gives Novartis options to license further programs built on Abogen’s RNA platform, Thepharmaletter reported.

The structure combines a license for Abogen’s lead asset with options tied to additional programs from its RNA platform. Thepharmaletter reported the potential value of the arrangement at up to $7.8 billion.

Partnership update for biopharma teams

For medical and pharmaceutical sales professionals tracking biopharma partnerships, the announcement centers on an exclusive worldwide license for an mRNA-encoded T-cell engager and platform-related options. The arrangement identifies ABO2203 as the initial licensed asset while retaining options for further Abogen programs.

• Abogen granted Novartis an exclusive worldwide license to ABO2203.
• ABO2203 is an mRNA-encoded T-cell engager and Abogen’s lead asset.
• Novartis also has options for further programs built on Abogen’s RNA platform.
• Thepharmaletter reported a deal value of up to $7.8 billion.

Thepharmaletter’s report frames the transaction as a licensing and option agreement between Abogen Biosciences and Novartis.