Vor Bio has entered into an exclusive global licensing agreement with RemeGen to develop and commercialize telitacicept, a novel dual-target fusion protein currently in Phase 3 development for autoimmune diseases. The deal grants Vor Bio rights to all territories excluding China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, with an initial payment of $125 million and potential milestones exceeding $4 billion.
Strategic Acquisition of Late-Stage Asset
Under the agreement announced June 25, 2025, Vor Bio will pay RemeGen $45 million upfront plus $80 million in warrants with an exercise price of $0.0001 per share. The comprehensive deal structure includes potential regulatory and commercial milestones exceeding $4 billion, in addition to tiered royalties based on future sales performance.
Telitacicept represents a significant advancement in autoimmune disease treatment through its dual-target mechanism. The investigational fusion protein selectively inhibits BLyS (also known as BAFF) and APRIL, two cytokines essential to B cell and plasma cell survival. This approach reduces autoreactive B cells and autoantibody production, addressing key drivers of autoimmune pathology.
Clinical Evidence and Development Timeline
The therapeutic potential of telitacicept has been demonstrated in clinical trials conducted in China. In a Phase 3 clinical trial for generalized myasthenia gravis, telitacicept achieved a 4.8-point improvement in the MG-ADL (Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living scale) versus placebo at 24 weeks, meeting the trial's primary endpoint.
Telitacicept has already received approval in China for three autoimmune conditions: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). RemeGen is currently conducting a global Phase 3 clinical trial in gMG, with enrollment underway across the United States, Europe, and South America. Initial results from this international study are expected in the first half of 2027, which will support potential regulatory approvals in the United States and Europe.
Leadership Transition and Strategic Vision
Concurrent with the licensing announcement, Vor Bio appointed Jean-Paul Kress, MD, as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. Dr. Kress replaces Dr. Robert Ang, who resigned from his executive positions but will continue as a strategic advisor through October 2025 to facilitate the transition.
"I am absolutely thrilled to be leading Vor Bio as we transform the company to become a major player in autoimmune disease treatment," said Dr. Kress. "Targeting BAFF/APRIL signaling with telitacicept represents a significant advancement in addressing autoantibody driven diseases, which is highly differentiated from other modalities in this space."
Dr. Kress brings extensive pharmaceutical industry experience, having most recently served as CEO of MorphoSys, where he led the development, approval, and commercialization of Monjuvi® (tafasitamab). During his tenure, he advanced the company's pipeline through the acquisition of Constellation Pharmaceuticals in 2021, ultimately leading to MorphoSys' acquisition by Novartis in 2024. Previously, he served as CEO of Syntimmune, guiding its lead immunology program through acquisition by Alexion Pharmaceuticals.
Global Market Expansion Strategy
The partnership represents a strategic milestone for both companies in expanding telitacicept's global reach. Dr. Jianmin Fang, CEO of RemeGen, emphasized the significance of the collaboration: "The strategic out-licensing of telitacicept's ex-China rights accelerates our mission to deliver this innovative therapy to patients worldwide and will help maximize telitacicept's clinical and commercial potential on the global scale."
RemeGen, founded in 2008, is a leading Chinese biopharmaceutical company with research laboratories and offices in both China and the United States. The company focuses on discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative biologic drugs in autoimmune, oncology, and ophthalmic diseases.
The acquisition positions Vor Bio to transform from its previous focus into a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to autoimmune disease treatment. The company plans to rapidly advance telitacicept through Phase 3 clinical development and commercialization to address serious autoantibody-driven conditions worldwide.
