Harbour BioMed, a global biopharmaceutical company committed to the discovery and development of novel therapeutics in immunology and oncology, recently announced to launch global strategic collaboration with Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co Ltd in advancing a BCMAxCD3 bispecific T-cell engager.

The BCMAxCD3 bispecific T-cell engager, HBM7020, is a BCMAxCD3 bispecific antibody generated using Harbour BioMed’s fully human HBICE? bispecific technology and Harbour Mice? platform. It is designed to crosslink target cells and T cells by binding to BCMA and CD3 on the cell surface, leading to potent T cell activation and targeted cell elimination. By incorporating dual anti-BCMA binding sites for enhanced cell targeting and monovalent-optimized CD3 activity to minimize cytokine release syndrome (CRS), HBM7020 has demonstrated potent cytotoxicity with broad therapeutic potential in both immunological and oncological diseases.

Under the agreement, Otsuka Pharmaceutical is granted an exclusive license to develop, manufacture and commercialize HBM7020 globally, excluding Greater China. In return, Harbour BioMed will receive US$47 million in upfront and near-term payments. The company is also eligible for additional payments of up to US$623 million upon the achievement of specified development and commercial milestones, as well as tiered royalties on future net sales. This strategic collaboration is expected to establish a foundation for potential further cooperation between the two companies in the T-cell engager area.

July 14, 2025