Ocrelizumab

Everest Medicines (HKEX: 1952.HK) has secured exclusive rights to develop and commercialize Bejescin (MIL62, obinutuzumab beta injection) across the Asia-Pacific region under a commercialization license agreement with China-based Beijing Mabworks Biotech Co., Ltd. The deal covers Southeast Asia, India, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and Taiwan, while Mabworks retains Mainland China rights where the drug is already approved and commercially launched. Bejescin is a third-generation, glycoengineered anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that received China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approval in February 2026 for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) — the first CD20 antibody approved globally for that indication. The transaction arrives days after Everest separately licensed out civorebrutinib to Travere Therapeutics for up to USD 1.03 billion in milestones. Under the terms of the agreement, Everest will pay Mabworks an upfront fee of RMB 23 million (USD 3.4 million) and is eligible to pay up to RMB 186 million (USD 27.5 million) in sales milestone payments. Mabworks will also receive a share of gross profit generated in the licensed territory, though the rate was not disclosed. The total disclosed deal value reaches RMB 209 million (USD 30.9 million), excluding the profit-share component. The use of a gross profit share rather than a conventional royalty on net sales is structurally notable: it aligns Mabworks’ economics more closely with Everest’s actual commercial performance in the region, functioning more like a co-commercialization arrangement despite the deal being structured as a license. Deal context Bejescin is described by Mabworks as a novel third-generation anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody engineered through proprietary glycosylation modification to achieve near-complete afucosylation of the Fc region. This engineering approach enhances binding to FcγRIIIa on natural killer cells, producing stronger antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity relative to first-generation anti-CD20 agents such as rituximab. The molecule also operates as a Type II anti-CD20 antibody, which induces homotypic adhesion and direct cell death rather than redistributing CD20 into lipid rafts — a mechanism shared with Roche’s obinutuzumab (Gazyva). Bejescin received NMPA Breakthrough Therapy Designation in October 2025 for primary membranous nephropathy (PMN), and its New Drug Application for that indication is currently under NMPA Priority Review. If approved, it would be the first targeted therapy for PMN globally. Beyond NMOSD and PMN, Bejescin is in Phase III trials for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and follicular lymphoma, giving the asset a multi-indication profile that extends well beyond its approved use. The clinical and commercial breadth of this pipeline is significant for Everest’s APAC licensing economics: the upfront and milestone figures disclosed reflect only the current approved indication, while the gross profit share provides ongoing upside as additional approvals are obtained across the licensed territory. Everest’s ability to execute this agreement is directly tied to infrastructure it has been assembling at pace. In April 2026, the company acquired Hasten Biopharmaceuticals’ Asia-Pacific commercial platform for USD 250 million, consolidating a pan-regional footprint spanning 14 marketed products and approximately 120 field force personnel across multiple APAC jurisdictions. That acquisition provided the regulatory, medical affairs, and distribution infrastructure needed to support product launches in markets such as South Korea and Australia, where Bejescin would otherwise require Everest to build commercial capabilities from scratch. The Mabworks deal is among the first major product additions to that newly acquired platform. This article was generated with AI assistance and reviewed and edited by the AllSci editorial team Explore more at AllSci News: https://allsci.com/news/ Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Comment * Name * Email * Website Privacy Terms About Us Copyright © 2026. AllSci Corp. All rights reserved.

– Proven Leader with Deep Multiple Sclerosis Expertise; Played Key Role in the Launch of Ocrevus® – – Will Leverage Senior Global Executive and Commercial Experience to Support Immunic's Transition Toward a Commercial-Stage Multiple Sclerosis Company – NEW YORK, May 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Immunic, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMUX), a late-stage biotechnology company pioneering the development of novel oral therapies for neurologic diseases, today announced the appointment of distinguished biopharmaceutical executive Erik Lundgren as Chief Executive Officer, effective May 22, 2026, with employment beginning on June 1, 2026. Mr. Lundgren succeeds Daniel Vitt, Ph.D., who will retain responsibility for scientific strategy and portfolio advancement while remaining a member of Immunic's Board of Directors. Mr. Lundgren will lead Immunic as the company advances vidofludimus calcium through late-stage clinical development, including the pivotal phase 3 ENSURE program in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) and the planned phase 3 program in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), while also preparing for potential new drug application (NDA) filing, regulatory approval and commercialization. "Immunic has evolved into a global late-stage biotechnology company built around its lead asset, vidofludimus calcium, which we believe represents one of the most compelling and differentiated opportunities in multiple sclerosis (MS) today," stated Michael W. Bonney, Chair of Immunic's Board of Directors. "As we look to our next phase of growth, including the pivotal phase 3 RMS data readout expected by year-end, preparations for NDA filing in this indication and potential commercialization thereafter, Erik's experience will be invaluable. I look forward to working with him as we continue transitioning Immunic toward a commercial-stage neurology company and deliver a potential next-generation treatment option for people living with MS." "I am truly honored to be joining Immunic at such an exciting and pivotal moment," stated Mr. Lundgren. "Over the past decade, the treatment landscape for MS has advanced meaningfully, broadening what is possible for people living with this complex disease. Yet a large unmet need remains, particularly for treatment options with the potential to slow disability progression and preserve neurological function. Vidofludimus calcium's potential to treat MS by targeting both immunological and neuroprotective pathways, along with a safety and tolerability profile that appears favorable to date, offers a differentiated approach within the MS therapeutic landscape, with the chance to impact both relapsing and progressive forms of the disease. Having spent my career focused on bringing innovative medicines to patients, including those with MS, I believe Immunic is uniquely positioned to advance this important program through late-stage development and potential commercialization. I look forward to working alongside the talented team at Immunic to help realize that vision." "Erik is highly accomplished and possesses the strategic, operational and commercial know-how needed to steer Immunic at this critical juncture," added Dr. Vitt. "His deep expertise in MS, including his role in helping shape the launch of Ocrevus®, combined with his long tenure and broad experience across Genentech and Roche, will be instrumental as we advance vidofludimus calcium through the pivotal phase 3 ENSURE readout in RMS and continue preparations for our planned phase 3 program in PPMS. As we approach these important milestones and continue our evolution toward becoming a commercial-stage biotechnology company, I am convinced that Erik is the right leader to guide Immunic into its next chapter. I look forward to continuing to support the company's scientific strategy and working alongside Erik and the Board to realize the full potential of our pipeline." Mr. Lundgren brings nearly two decades of biopharmaceutical experience spanning commercial strategy, product launches, global portfolio leadership, marketing and general management, with particular expertise in MS. He most recently served as Senior Vice President, Commercial Portfolio Organization at Genentech (a member of the Roche Group), where he led and oversaw the commercial strategy across all therapeutic areas of the company's broad portfolio. Prior to this role, he served as General Manager of Roche Czech Republic, where he led full operations and commercial strategy. Earlier, he served as Lifecycle Leader for Huntington's disease within Roche's neuroscience portfolio. Mr. Lundgren spent more than a decade at Genentech in roles of increasing responsibility, including serving as Senior Marketing Director supporting the launch and commercialization of Ocrevus® (ocrelizumab), a foundational treatment for RMS and PPMS and one of the most successful launches in neurology. He also held commercial leadership roles supporting the launches of oncology medicines, including Kadcyla® (ado-trastuzumab emtansine) and Zelboraf® (vemurafenib), and led various sales teams within Genentech's oncology franchise. Mr. Lundgren earned his Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy from Duke University and his Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School. The Compensation Committee of Immunic's Board of Directors granted Mr. Lundgren an initial equity option to purchase 1,000,000 shares of common stock of the company under the Immunic, Inc. 2026 Inducement Equity Compensation Plan (the "Options"). The Options were granted as an inducement material to Mr. Lundgren's commencement of employment pursuant to NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The Options will be time vested, with 25% vesting on the one-year anniversary of May 22, 2026 and the remainder vesting on a monthly basis in 36 equal installments. About Immunic, Inc. Immunic, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMUX) is a late-stage biotechnology company pioneering the development of novel oral therapies for neurologic diseases. The company's lead development program, vidofludimus calcium (IMU-838), is currently in phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis, for which top-line data is expected to be available by the end of 2026. It has already shown therapeutic activity in phase 2 clinical trials in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, progressive multiple sclerosis and other diseases. Vidofludimus calcium combines neuroprotective effects, through its mechanism as a first-in-class nuclear receptor-related 1 (Nurr1) activator, with additional anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects, by selectively inhibiting the enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH). The company's development pipeline also includes earlier-stage programs, including IMU-856 and IMU-381, aimed at building a broader therapeutics platform addressing neurodegenerative, chronic inflammatory, and autoimmune-related diseases. For further information, please visit: . Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" that involve substantial risks and uncertainties for purposes of the safe harbor provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release regarding strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenue, projected expenses, sufficiency of cash and cash runway, expected timing, development and results of clinical trials, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to expectations regarding Immunic's development programs and the targeted diseases; the potential for Immunic's development programs to safely and effectively target diseases; preclinical and clinical data for Immunic's development programs; the timing of current and future clinical trials, anticipated clinical milestones and regulatory approvals; the nature, strategy and focus of the company and further updates with respect thereto; the development and commercial potential of any product candidates of the company; expectations regarding the capitalization, resources and ownership structure of the company; the executive and board structure of the company; and the appointment of Mr. Lundgren and his integration into the company. Immunic may not actually achieve the plans, carry out the intentions or meet the expectations or projections disclosed in the forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Actual results and performance could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including, without limitation, increasing inflation, tariffs and macroeconomic trends, impacts of the Ukraine – Russia conflict and the conflict in the Middle East on planned and ongoing clinical trials, risks and uncertainties associated with the ability to project future cash utilization and reserves needed for contingent future liabilities and business operations, the availability of sufficient financial and other resources to meet business objectives and operational requirements, and the ability to raise sufficient capital to continue as a going concern, the fact that the results of earlier preclinical studies and clinical trials may not be predictive of future clinical trial results, any changes to the size of the target markets for the company's products or product candidates, the protection and market exclusivity provided by Immunic's intellectual property, risks related to the drug development and the regulatory approval process and the impact of competitive products and technological changes. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in the section captioned "Risk Factors," in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2026, and in the company's subsequent filings with the SEC. Copies of these filings are available online at or ir.imux.com/sec-filings. Any forward-looking statement made in this release speaks only as of the date of this release. Immunic disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made. Immunic expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this press release. Contact Information Immunic, Inc. Jessica Breu Vice President Investor Relations and Communications +49 89 2080 477 09 [email protected] US IR Contact Rx Communications Group Paula Schwartz +1 917 633 7790 [email protected] US Media Contact KCSA Strategic Communications Caitlin Kasunich +1 212 896 1241 [email protected] SOURCE Immunic, Inc. 21% more press release views with Request a Demo