Everest Medicines Secures Asia-Pacific Rights to Bejescin, the First CD20 Antibody Approved for NMOSD
核心洞察
Everest Medicines (搜索) has obtained exclusive Asia-Pacific commercialization and development rights for Bejescin (搜索) (MIL62) from Beijing Mabworks Biotech (搜索), covering Southeast Asia, India, South Korea, Australia, and other key markets.
Bejescin (搜索) is the world's first CD20 (搜索)-targeted antibody approved for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (搜索) (NMOSD), receiving NMPA approval in China in February 2026.
The NDA for primary membranous nephropathy (搜索) (PMN) is under NMPA Priority Review, positioning Bejescin (搜索) to potentially become the first approved targeted therapy for PMN globally.
Everest Medicines (搜索) (HKEX 1952.HK) announced on June 4, 2026, that it has entered into a commercialization license agreement with Beijing Mabworks Biotech (搜索) Co., Ltd. for Bejescin (搜索) (MIL62, Obinutuzumab beta Injection), securing exclusive rights for clinical development and commercialization across the Asia-Pacific region. The territory spans Southeast Asia, India, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and Taiwan region, China.
Under the financial terms, Everest Medicines (搜索) will pay Mabworks an upfront payment of RMB 23 million and sales milestone payments of up to RMB 186 million. Mabworks will also be eligible to receive a share of gross profit in the region.
A First-in-Class CD20 (搜索) Antibody with Expanding Indications
Bejescin (搜索) is a novel third-generation anti-CD20 (搜索) monoclonal antibody that received approval from China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in February 2026 for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (搜索) (NMOSD). This milestone made it the first CD20 antibody approved globally for NMOSD and the first domestically developed therapy for this indication in China.
NMOSD is a debilitating autoimmune disorder targeting the central nervous system, characterized by high recurrence and disability rates, predominantly affecting young and middle-aged women. The disease typically presents with acute or subacute onset and can progress rapidly, with approximately 90% of patients relapsing within three years. Severe cases may result in blindness or paralysis. Bejescin (搜索) has demonstrated a significant reduction in relapse risk as a monotherapy.
The drug's New Drug Application (NDA) for primary membranous nephropathy (搜索) (PMN) is currently under Priority Review by the NMPA, with the potential to become the first approved targeted therapy for PMN worldwide. In October 2025, Bejescin (搜索) was granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the NMPA for this indication, becoming the first domestically developed therapy for kidney disease to receive this designation in China.
PMN is one of the most common pathological types of adult nephropathy, with approximately 30% to 40% of patients progressing to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) within 5 to 15 years. Globally, no approved targeted therapies exist for PMN. Phase III clinical data demonstrated that Bejescin (搜索) monotherapy provides significant advantages across multiple efficacy endpoints, including complete clinical remission, complete immunological remission, and overall clinical remission. The drug also showed a favorable safety and tolerability profile, with a convenient dosing regimen requiring only one intravenous infusion every six months following initial treatment.
Pipeline Expansion in Autoimmune Disease
Bejescin (搜索) is also in Phase III trials for systemic lupus erythematosus (搜索) (SLE), a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease that primarily affects young women. For this indication, Bejescin offers the potential for administration every 24 to 28 weeks, addressing the need for long-acting therapies. Additionally, the drug is being evaluated in Phase III trials for follicular lymphoma (搜索), with potential for further expansion into other autoimmune indications.
Strategic Synergies and Leadership Commentary
The collaboration strengthens Everest Medicines (搜索)' presence in nephrology and autoimmune diseases across the Asia-Pacific region, creating synergies with its existing nephrology portfolio. The company's therapeutic areas of focus include cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic (CKM) diseases, autoimmune conditions, ophthalmology, and critical care.
"We are delighted to collaborate with Mabworks on Bejescin (搜索). As the first CD20 (搜索) antibody approved globally for NMOSD, Bejescin has demonstrated strong clinical potential and significant opportunities in nephrology and autoimmune diseases," said Mr. Yifang Wu, Chairman of the Board of Everest Medicines (搜索). "This collaboration strengthens Everest's portfolio in these therapeutic areas and complements our existing pipeline."
Mr. Luning Chen, President of Mabworks, added: "Since its launch in Mainland China, Bejescin (搜索) has achieved outstanding commercial performance. This collaboration will further strengthen Bejescin's commercial network and brand influence across the Asia-Pacific region, bringing 'New Hope' to more patients with renal and autoimmune diseases."
Everest Medicines (搜索), which also leverages its proprietary mRNA platform to advance programs including mRNA in vivo CAR-T and mRNA cancer vaccines, aims to accelerate its global expansion through this partnership while advancing Bejescin (搜索)'s development and supporting its launch across the Asia-Pacific region.