Roche has acquired exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialise SIM0660, a trispecific antibody targeting CD79a, CD19, and CD3, with therapeutic potential across B-cell-mediated diseases. 

Under the terms of the agreement, developer Simcere Zaiming is eligible to receive up to $1.530 billion in total payments, including $75 million in upfront. Simcere Zaiming is also eligible to receive tiered royalties of up to double digits on future net sales. 

SIM0660 is a tri-specific antibody developed by Simcere Zaiming using its T-cell engager poly-specific antibody technology. The molecule combines a CD3-engaging arm with binding domains targeting the two B-cell antigens CD79a and CD19 to induce potent T cell-mediated cytotoxicity while limiting cytokine release.  

With its potential first-in-class dual-targeting approach to CD79a and CD19, SIM0660 is designed to provide broad coverage across B-cell mediated diseases, and may offer a differentiated therapeutic approach for patients previously treated with CD20- or CD19-directed therapies.  

SIM0660 also has therapeutic potential for B-cell-mediated autoimmune diseases, where targeted depletion of pathogenic B cells may provide clinical benefit. 

“This agreement with Simcere Zaiming reflects our commitment to partnering with innovative companies to advance and deliver new therapeutic options for patients in need. SIM0660 represents a potential advancement for patients with B-cell-mediated diseases,” said Boris Zaïtra, Head of Corporate Business Development at Roche. 

With this new deal, Simcere Pharmaceutical Group has completed six out-licensing transactions, with a potential aggregate total consideration exceeding $6.1 billion.