Logo of Wuxi Abogen Biosciences. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
Wuxi Abogen Biosciences, a clinical-stage RNA therapeutics company headquartered in Wuxi's Liangxi district, has signed a licensing agreement with Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis that could be worth up to $7.78 billion, setting a record for outbound licensing by a Chinese mRNA company.
Under the agreement, Novartis will receive exclusive global rights to ABO2203 as well as exclusive options to develop additional programs based on Abogen's proprietary RNA platform. Abogen will receive $575 million upfront and up to $7.2 billion in milestone payments if development, regulatory and commercial targets are met.
ABO2203 uses lipid nanoparticles to deliver mRNA into patients' cells, enabling them to produce CD19×CD3 T-cell engagers that target CD19-expressing B cells. The approach may help reset the immune system in B-cell-mediated autoimmune diseases such as lupus. According to Abogen, it is the first mRNA-encoded TCE candidate for autoimmune disease to enter clinical evaluation.
"This agreement is a major milestone for Abogen and further validates our RNA platform beyond preventive vaccines," said Bo Ying, Abogen's founder and CEO. "We look forward to working with Novartis to accelerate ABO2203 and explore new therapeutic targets."
Abogen established its China headquarters in Liangxi district last year. In November 2025, Wuxi Abogen Biosciences was registered with $30 million in paid-in capital. The company has obtained Jiangsu's first mRNA vaccine production license and plans a new production line in the district. Its mRNA drug research and development project was signed at the 2026 Taihu Bay Life Health Future Conference in May.
The deal is expected to attract suppliers, talent and global research resources to Wuxi, strengthening the city's life sciences cluster. Abogen's pipeline includes ABO1108, a lyophilized mRNA shingles vaccine in Phase III trials in China.
Copyright © China Daily. All rights reserved.