Harbour BioMed, Otsuka Ink $670M Deal for Autoimmune T-Cell Therapy

Harbour BioMed and Otsuka Pharmaceutical have entered into a global strategic collaboration to develop and commercialize HBM7020, a BCMAxCD3 bispecific T-cell engager aimed at treating autoimmune diseases. Otsuka has obtained exclusive rights outside Greater China to develop, manufacture, and commercialize the therapy, with Harbour BioMed receiving $47 million in upfront and near-term payments, plus potential milestone payments up to $623 million and tiered royalties on future sales. HBM7020, developed using Harbour BioMed's proprietary Harbour Mice and HBICE technology platforms, is designed to activate potent T cell responses for targeted cell elimination and has received investigational new drug clearance in China for a phase 1 cancer trial. While Harbour BioMed initially pursued cancer indications, Otsuka plans to focus on autoimmune diseases where B cells play a key role in pathogenesis. The partnership also lays the groundwork for future collaborations in the T-cell engager field, leveraging Otsuka’s antibody drug and small molecule discovery platforms. Both companies emphasize their commitment to advancing next-generation biotherapeutics to address unmet medical needs globally.