AbbVie and Simcere Zaiming, a subsidiary of Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Ltd., entered an option to license agreement to develop SIM0500, an investigational new drug candidate in Phase 1 trials in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM), in both China and the U.S.

SIM0500 is a humanized trispecific antibody that targets GPRC5D, BCMA, and CD3, developed independently by Simcere Zaiming using their T-cell engager polyspecific antibody technology platform. This molecule features a low affinity/high target-activating CD3 engaging arm and binding sites for the two tumor antigens: G-Protein-coupled receptor class 5 member D (GPRC5D) and B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA). SIM0500 has shown strong T cell cytotoxicity against MM cells by leveraging a combination of various antitumor effects.

Simcere Zaiming will receive an upfront payment from AbbVie and is eligible to receive option fees and milestone payments of up to $1.055 billion, as well as royalties on sales outside of the Greater China territory. AbbVie is eligible to receive royalties on sales in the Greater China territory.

“As a leader in hematologic malignancies, AbbVie is committed to advancing innovative treatments for complex cancers like multiple myeloma through our relentless R&D efforts and collaborations,” said Mariana Cota Stirner, M.D., Ph.D., vice president, therapeutic area head for hematology, AbbVie. “We look forward to partnering with Simcere Zaiming, to advance this novel trispecific antibody, which has the potential to help address significant unmet medical needs for people living with multiple myeloma”

“SIM0500 is developed via Simcere Zaiming’s T-cell engager platform,” said Renhong Tang, PhD, CEO of Simcere Zaiming. “We are excited to partner with AbbVie on this novel drug candidate and look forward to working together to advance the clinical development of SIM0500.”