I-Mab Biopharma and MorphoSys AG have entered into an exclusive regional licensing agreement to develop and commercialize MOR202 in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao. MOR202 is MorphoSys’s proprietary investigational antibody against CD38, for which recruitment of a European Phase 1/2a clinical study in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma has been concluded.

I-Mab will assume exclusive responsibility for all subsequent development and commercialization of MOR202 in the agreed territory. MorphoSys receives an immediate upfront payment and will be entitled to receive additional success-based clinical and commercial milestone payments as well as royalties from I-Mab.

I-Mab plans to start clinical development of MOR202 to treat patients with multiple myeloma in China in 2018.

“We are very excited to partner with MorphoSys to develop this highly differentiated investigational oncology medicine for unmet needs in China,” said Jingwu Zang, founder and chief executive officer, I-Mab. “This partnership marks a latest addition to our China portfolio of clinical stage assets, which parallels with our global immuno-oncology portfolio of innovative biologics.”

Simon Moroney, Chief Executive Officer of MorphoSys AG, said, “Our deal with I-Mab is the first step in our plan to secure the development and commercialization of MOR202. In I-Mab, we have found an ideal partner with a highly dedicated and experienced team who are committed to developing MOR202 as fast as possible for the Chinese market.”