AbbVie Expands Oncology Pipeline with $700M Acquisition of Novel Trispecific Antibody

AbbVie has made a significant move to bolster its oncology portfolio by acquiring rights to a promising trispecific antibody from Ichnos Glenmark Innovation (IGI) for $700 million upfront. The deal, announced on Thursday, gives AbbVie access to ISB 2001, a first-in-class antibody targeting multiple myeloma and potentially other cancers and autoimmune diseases.

Deal Details and Financial Impact

Under the terms of the agreement, AbbVie will gain rights to ISB 2001 in North America, Europe, Japan, and Greater China. In addition to the upfront payment, IGI is eligible to receive up to $1.225 billion in milestone payments, as well as tiered, double-digit royalties on potential future sales.

The total potential value of the deal, including milestone payments, could reach nearly $2 billion, signaling AbbVie's strong commitment to expanding its presence in the oncology market. This acquisition follows a string of recent deals by AbbVie, including the $2.1 billion purchase of Capstan Therapeutics and its CAR T therapies for autoimmune diseases in June.

ISB 2001: A Novel Approach to Multiple Myeloma Treatment

ISB 2001 is a clinical-stage trispecific antibody that targets CD38 and BCMA on myeloma cells, as well as CD3 on T cells. This unique mechanism of action distinguishes it from existing bispecific antibodies like Johnson & Johnson's Tecvayli, Pfizer's Elrexfio, and Regeneron's Lynozyfic, which target only BCMA and CD3.

The addition of CD38 as a target is designed to enhance binding to tumor cells with low BCMA expression and potentially overcome drug resistance in heavily treated patients. This approach could provide a new option for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have exhausted other treatment options.

Early Clinical Results and Regulatory Status

Preliminary results from a Phase I dose escalation trial of ISB 2001 in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients have shown promise. Data presented at the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2025 meeting revealed:

• An overall response rate of 79%
• A complete response rate of 30%
• No dose-limiting adverse effects

The trial included 35 patients, with nearly half having previously received BCMA therapy and over 40% having tried T-cell directed therapies. These encouraging results have led to the FDA granting ISB 2001 both Orphan Drug and Fast Track Designations, potentially expediting its development and review process.

AbbVie's acquisition of ISB 2001 reinforces the company's commitment to developing innovative oncology treatments and positions it as a strong competitor in the rapidly evolving multiple myeloma market. As the pharmaceutical industry continues to focus on multi-specific antibodies and targeted therapies, this deal represents a significant step forward in the quest to improve outcomes for cancer patients.