Biogen Inc. secures global rights to felzartamab through a deal with TJ Biopharma, strengthening its late-stage immunology pipeline and expansion in Greater China.
Written By: Karthik Teja Macharla, PharmD
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
Biogen Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement with TJ Biopharma to acquire exclusive rights to the investigational antibody felzartamab in the Greater China region, securing full global ownership of the asset currently under Phase 3 evaluation across multiple immune-mediated diseases.
Under the terms of the deal, TJ Biopharma will receive a $100 million upfront payment and is eligible for up to $750 million in commercial and sales milestones, bringing the total potential value to $850 million, along with tiered royalties on net sales in Greater China.
Biogen will also assume existing financial obligations tied to a prior licensing agreement with MorphoSys, now part of Novartis.
Fraser Hall, President of Biogen’s Intercontinental Region, indicated that the transaction strengthens the global development and commercial potential of felzartamab, highlighting its broad applicability across immune-mediated conditions and the strategic importance of expanding access in the Greater China market.
From TJ Biopharma’s perspective, Dr. Lili Qian noted that the agreement supports the company’s strategic focus while enabling both near- and long-term value creation, adding that Biogen’s global capabilities position it well to advance the therapy in the region while allowing TJ Bio to participate in its future success.
Biogen had previously acquired rights to felzartamab outside Greater China through its acquisition of Human Immunology Biosciences (HI-Bio) in July 2024 and has since initiated Phase 3 trials in antibody-mediated rejection in kidney transplant recipients, IgA nephropathy, and primary membranous nephropathy, with further expansion planned.
The collaboration between the companies had already extended to China, where TJ Biopharma joined Biogen-sponsored international Phase 3 trials in IgA nephropathy and primary membranous nephropathy in April 2025.
The Greater China market represents a significant opportunity due to the high prevalence of kidney diseases such as IgA nephropathy, a leading cause of end-stage kidney disease in young adults, and primary membranous nephropathy, which is associated with increasing incidence and risk of progression to kidney failure.
A Biologics License Application for felzartamab in multiple myeloma, submitted by TJ Biopharma in December 2024, is currently under review by China’s National Medical Products Administration.
Under the agreement, Biogen will lead development, manufacturing oversight, and commercialization in the region, while TJ Biopharma will continue manufacturing supply for the multiple myeloma indication from its Hangzhou facility.
Felzartamab is an investigational monoclonal antibody targeting CD38, a protein expressed on plasma cells and other immune cells, and has shown the ability to selectively deplete CD38-positive plasma cells in clinical studies, supporting its potential use across antibody-driven diseases.
Originally developed by MorphoSys, the therapy remains unapproved, and its safety and efficacy have not yet been established.
Reference
TJ Biopharma Enters into Agreement with Biogen for Felzartamab Assets in the Greater China Region
About the Writer
Karthik Teja Macharla, PharmD is a Pharm.D. graduate with a strong interest in clinical research, pharmacovigilance, and medical writing. In his words, he is passionate about converting complex medical information into clear, evidence-based scientific communication, committed to contributing to patient safety and advancing healthcare through accurate and impactful medical content.