Antengene Enters into Agreement with UCB ATG-201 Targeting Autoimmune Diseases
Wednesday, March 04, 2026
Antengene and UCB have entered into a global exclusive licence agreement for ATG-201, a CD19/CD3 bispecific T-cell engager (TCE) being developed for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Under the terms of the agreement, UCB will obtain worldwide rights to further develop, manufacture and commercialise ATG-201, along with access to its related manufacturing technology.
ATG-201 is designed to selectively target and eliminate CD19-expressing B cells, which are involved in a range of autoimmune disorders and certain blood cancers. The therapy uses a bispecific mechanism to link T cells and B cells through CD3 and CD19. It incorporates steric hindrance-based masking technology intended to improve tolerability while maintaining effective B-cell depletion. This approach aims to harness the body’s immune system in a more targeted and controlled manner.
Antengene plans to submit clinical trial applications for ATG-201 in China and Australia in the first quarter of 2026. The company will conduct first-in-human Phase I studies in both countries. Following completion of these early-stage trials, further clinical development and additional activities related to ATG-201 will be transferred to UCB.
ATG-201 is developed using Antengene’s AnTenGager™ platform, which applies a steric masking design to the CD3-binding arm of the T-cell engager. This design is intended to activate T cells only in the presence of the target antigen. The platform also incorporates a proprietary CD3 binder designed to reduce the risk of cytokine release syndrome and limit T-cell exhaustion.
Through this partnership, UCB strengthens its immunology portfolio and expands its capabilities in bispecific T-cell engager technologies. The collaboration complements UCB’s existing expertise in monoclonal antibodies and biologics and supports its broader innovation strategy in immune-mediated diseases.
Under the agreement, Antengene will receive USD 80 million in upfront and near-term milestone payments, including an initial payment of USD 60 million and additional payments of USD 20 million subject to certain conditions.
The company is also eligible to receive development and commercial milestone payments exceeding USD 1.1 billion, along with tiered royalties on future net sales. Further financial details were not disclosed.
Source: antengene.com
