Roche has agreed to pay Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Limited (HKEX: 02096) USD 75 million upfront for global exclusive rights to SIM0660, a CD79a/CD19/CD3 trispecific T-cell engager antibody targeting B-cell malignancies, with potential milestones of up to USD 1.455 billion and tiered double-digit royalties on net sales.
SIM0660 is an asset from Simcere's oncology T-cell engager (TCE) polyspecific antibody platform. The preclinical-stage molecule, developed by Simcere Zaiming, combines a CD3-engaging arm with dual binding domains targeting the B-cell antigens CD79a and CD19, which the company describes as designed to induce T cell-mediated cytotoxicity while limiting cytokine release. Simcere says the dual-targeting approach is intended to provide broad coverage across B-cell malignancies, including relapsed/refractory disease, and may offer an option for patients previously treated with CD20- or CD19-directed therapies. The company also cites potential in B-cell-mediated autoimmune diseases.
Under the agreement, Roche assumes full global responsibility for development, manufacture, and commercialization. No geographic carve-outs or co-development obligations are disclosed.
The agreement adds to a growing series of Simcere out-licensing transactions from its novel drug technology portfolio. In January 2025, Simcere Zaiming and AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) announced an option-to-license agreement for SIM0500, a GPRC5D/BCMA/CD3 trispecific antibody in multiple myeloma, with potential value of up to USD 1.055 billion. That asset dosed its first US patient in Phase I in June 2025. In January 2026, Simcere licensed SIM0709, a preclinical TL1A/IL-23p19 bispecific antibody for inflammatory bowel disease, to Boehringer Ingelheim for milestones of up to EUR 1.058 billion (approximately USD 1.16 billion). In December 2025, Ipsen acquired rights to SIM0613, a LRRC15-targeting antibody-drug conjugate, in a deal valued at up to approximately USD 1.06 billion.
Roche has been actively stocking its pipeline via China in-licensing deals. In January 2025, Roche paid USD 80 million upfront for global rights to Innovent Biologics' IBI3009, a DLL3-targeting antibody-drug conjugate for small cell lung cancer, in a deal totaling over USD 1.08 billion. The Swiss giant also paid USD 75 million upfront to Qyuns Therapeutics in October 2025 for QX031N, a preclinical TSLP/IL-33 bispecific antibody for respiratory diseases.
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