Jing Ji Guan Cha Wang·2026-01-15 03:32Core Viewpoint - The recent licensing agreement between Rongchang Biologics and AbbVie for the dual-specific antibody drug RC148 highlights the competitive landscape of PD-1/VEGF targeted therapies, with significant financial implications for both companies involved [1][6]. Group 1: Licensing Agreement Details - Rongchang Biologics has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with AbbVie for RC148, a dual-specific antibody currently in Phase II clinical trials, granting AbbVie rights outside Greater China [1][6]. - The deal includes an upfront payment of $650 million and potential milestone payments up to $4.95 billion, along with tiered royalties on net sales, bringing the total potential value of the agreement to $5.5 billion [1][6]. - This transaction's total amount is considered high, especially for a product not ranked among the top three in its category, raising questions about market share potential [6]. Group 2: Market Context and Comparisons - The PD-(L)1/VEGF target has gained significant attention in recent years, combining immunotherapy and targeted therapy, with expectations of enhanced efficacy [3]. - Several Chinese biotech companies have previously licensed their PD-(L)1/VEGF drugs to international firms, with notable deals including a $500 million upfront payment from Summit Therapeutics to Kanyin Biologics, and a $1.25 billion upfront payment from Pfizer to Sanofi [4][5]. - Despite the presence of multiple PD-1/VEGF drugs in the market, there remains potential for further licensing agreements, as efficacy and specific indications will play a crucial role in market segmentation [10]. Group 3: Future Trends and Industry Insights - The combination of PD-(L)1/VEGF drugs with ADCs (antibody-drug conjugates) is anticipated to be a major development trend among pharmaceutical companies [9]. - Companies that have not yet licensed their PD-1/VEGF drugs are actively seeking opportunities, with the success of future deals dependent on finding suitable partners and demonstrating strong clinical data [10]. - Major multinational pharmaceutical companies, including Eli Lilly, Novartis, and Sanofi, have yet to announce new licensing agreements, indicating a cautious approach while awaiting more mature data [12].