Novartis Signs Up to $7.8 Billion mRNA Deal with China's Abogen Biosciences

Novartis has entered a licensing and option agreement with Abogen Biosciences that includes an exclusive worldwide license to ABO2203, an investigational mRNA-encoded CD19xCD3 T-cell engager for autoimmune diseases.

Rather than delivering a recombinant bispecific antibody, ABO2203 uses mRNA to direct the body's own production of the T-cell engager in vivo.

The goal is to reset B cells in patients with B-cell-mediated disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

The agreement also gives Novartis exclusive options to license other programs built on Abogen's mRNA and lipid nanoparticle platform.

Under the deal, Abogen will receive $575 million upfront with the potential to earn an additional $7.2 billion if the drug advances through development and wins regulatory approval.

This agreement marks an important milestone for Abogen, underscoring the broad potential of their RNA platform beyond prophylactic vaccines.

The partnership represents one of the largest pharmaceutical-biotech collaborations of 2026 and validates Abogen's innovative mRNA technology platform.

Novartis gains access to promising autoimmune disease treatments while Abogen receives significant funding to advance its RNA platform development.