I-Mab, a U.S.-based global biotech company focused on the development of precision immuno-oncology agents to treat cancer, is reprioritizing its resources to focus on advancing its lead program, givastomig, a CLDN18.2 x 4-1BB bispecific antibody, targeting first-line metastatic gastric cancers, with further potential in other solid tumors.

I-MAB completed a workforce reduction as part of a Realignment Plan aimed at optimizing its operations following the pipeline reprioritization. The company reduced its workforce by approximately 27% and expects an annual savings of approximately $3 million.

With operations in Rockville, MD, and Short Hills, NJ, I-Mab had approximately 220 employees as of December 31, 2023. 

Givastomig (TJ033721 / ABL111) is a bispecific antibody targeting CLDN18.2-positive tumor cells. It conditionally activates T cells through the 4-1BB signaling pathway in the tumor microenvironment where CLDN18.2 is expressed. Givastomig is being developed for first-line metastatic gastric cancers, with additional potential in other solid tumors. In Phase 1 trials, givastomig was observed to maintain a strong tumor-binding property and anti-tumor activity, attributable to a potential synergistic effect of proximal interaction with CLDN18.2 and 4-1BB, while minimizing toxicities commonly seen with other 4-1BB agents.

Meanwhile, the company is pausing development of uliledlimab (TJ004309), an antibody designed to target CD73, the rate-limiting enzyme critical for adenosine-driven immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. I-Mab owns worldwide rights to uliledlimab outside of Greater China.

Ragistomig (TJ-L14B / ABL503), a bispecific, Fc-silent antibody designed to provide anti-PD-L1 activity and conditional 4-1BB-driven T-cell activation in one molecule, is being developed for solid tumors that are refractory or have relapsed after exposure to CPIs. The program is being jointly developed through a global partnership with ABL Bio, in which ABL Bio is the lead party and shares worldwide rights, excluding China and South Korea, equally with I-Mab.