China's Antengene has entered into an exclusive global licensing agreement with UCB for its CD19/CD3 bispecific T-cell engager (TCE), ATG-201. Under the agreement, Antengene will receive USD 80 million in an upfront and near-term milestone payments, with the potential for over USD 1.1 billion in additional development and commercial milestone payments, plus tiered royalties on future net sales. UCB gains exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture and commercialise the bispecific antibody (BsAb), which is based on Antengene's proprietary AnTenGager platform.

ATG-201 is designed with a steric hindrance shielding technology intended to enhance safety by masking the CD3 binding arm until the drug engages its CD19 target on B-cells. This mechanism aims to provide precise and potent intervention for B-cell-driven diseases. Antengene plans to submit clinical trial applications for ATG-201 in China and Australia in Q1 2026 and will conduct initial Phase I studies. Following this, UCB will assume responsibility for all subsequent global development activities. The AnTenGager platform has generated a pipeline of nine other disclosed candidates.

PharmCube's NextBiopharm® database shows that this is the second-largest deal for a CD19-targeted BsAb. Click here to request a free trial for NextBiopharm®.