Wedoany.com Report-Dec.28, Ipsen has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Simcere Zaiming for SIM0613, an investigational antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting LRRC15. The deal, announced on 22 December 2025, grants Ipsen global rights for development, manufacturing, and commercialization outside Greater China. Simcere Zaiming retains rights in Greater China and is eligible for up to $1.06 billion in total payments, including upfront, development, regulatory, and commercial milestones, plus tiered royalties on sales.

The agreement sees Ipsen secure global rights for the cancer treatment outside of Greater China.

SIM0613 is designed for enhanced tumor penetration and differentiated anti-tumor activity in solid tumors with high unmet needs. It targets leucine-rich repeat-containing 15 (LRRC15), a protein highly expressed on various tumor types and cancer-associated fibroblasts, with limited expression on normal cells. Upon binding to LRRC15, SIM0613 is internalized, releasing the cytotoxic payload to kill cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. Preclinical models have demonstrated robust tumor regressions, supporting its potential as a best-in-class candidate.

The program is expected to enter Phase I clinical development in the second half of 2026, pending completion of remaining preclinical and regulatory-enabling work. Ipsen will lead global development activities outside Greater China, including Phase I preparation and regulatory submissions, and will handle manufacturing following technology transfer.

Christelle Huguet, Executive Vice President and Head of Research & Development at Ipsen, said: “Today’s announcement underscores our bold vision to lead innovation and shape the future of oncology. By advancing first- and best-in-class therapies early, we maximize the potential to transform patient outcomes globally. The addition of the SIM0613 ADC is testament to this ambition—pioneering science that opens new possibilities for those who need it most and builds on Ipsen’s rapidly evolving research and early development portfolio, with over 20 programs added since 2020.”

Renhong Tang, PhD, CEO of Simcere Zaiming, said: “SIM0613 is developed via Simcere Zaiming’s proprietary antibody-drug conjugate platform. We are excited to partner with Ipsen on this novel drug candidate and look forward to working together to advance the clinical development of SIM0613.”

This transaction follows Ipsen’s earlier ADC efforts, including a $1 billion agreement with Foreseen Biotechnology in July 2025. The company has pursued multiple partnerships to expand its oncology pipeline, reflecting a strategy focused on innovative modalities with strong clinical potential.

ADCs have emerged as a rapidly growing drug class, with increasing industry investment in 2025 to access advanced technologies. This collaboration highlights ongoing interest in novel candidates that address solid tumors through targeted mechanisms, offering possibilities for improved efficacy and safety profiles.

The partnership combines Simcere Zaiming’s ADC platform expertise with Ipsen’s global development and commercialization capabilities, aiming to accelerate SIM0613 toward clinical evaluation and potential future availability for patients.