Written By: Pharmacally Medical News Desk
Ipsen has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Simcere Zaiming for SIM0613, an investigational LRRC15-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), thereby expanding its early-development oncology pipeline. Under the agreement, Ipsen obtains global rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize SIM0613 outside Greater China, while Simcere Zaiming retains rights within that territory.
Deal structure and financial terms
Simcere Zaiming is eligible to receive up to 1.06 billion dollars in total payments, including an upfront payment, development and regulatory milestones, and commercial milestones, along with tiered royalties on potential future sales. Specific breakdowns of upfront versus milestone tranches have not been fully disclosed in public summaries; however, Ipsen has emphasized the long-term strategic nature of the collaboration rather than its short-term financial impact.
Ipsen will lead global development activities for SIM0613 in its licensed territories, including regulatory interactions, manufacturing scale‑up, and clinical development outside Greater China. Simcere Zaiming will continue to advance the program in China, enabling parallel development paths across regions.
Scientific profile of SIM0613
SIM0613 is a novel ADC directed against leucine‑rich repeat‑containing 15 (LRRC15), a cell‑surface protein expressed at high levels on multiple solid tumors and cancer‑associated fibroblasts, with limited expression in normal tissues. By targeting LRRC15‑positive tumor cells and stromal components, SIM0613 is designed to achieve deep tumor penetration and deliver a cytotoxic payload directly into cancer cells after internalization.
Preclinical models have shown robust tumor regressions and support the potential for differentiated anti‑tumor activity, consistent with broader evidence that LRRC15‑directed ADCs can be active across several solid tumor types. Ipsen and Simcere Zaiming expect SIM0613 to enter first‑in‑human Phase I clinical trials in the second half of 2026, pending successful completion of remaining preclinical and regulatory‑enabling work.
Role within Ipsen’s oncology strategy
The addition of SIM0613 strengthens Ipsen’s early‑stage oncology portfolio and reflects a broader strategy to expand in precision oncology and ADCs through external innovation. In 2025, Ipsen has pursued multiple business development initiatives, including selective acquisitions and partnerships in novel modalities, to diversify its pipeline beyond existing marketed oncology assets.
By combining Simcere Zaiming’s ADC discovery and development capabilities with Ipsen’s global development and commercialization infrastructure, the partners aim to accelerate the path of SIM0613 from preclinical research into global clinical programs. If clinical data confirm its preclinical promise and the program ultimately secures regulatory approvals, SIM0613 could offer a new treatment option for patients with LRRC15‑expressing solid tumors, where current therapies often provide limited benefit.
References
Ipsen expands early development pipeline with Simcere Zaiming’s innovative antibody drug conjugate, 22 December 2025, https://www.ipsen.com/press-release/ipsen-expands-early-development-pipeline-with-simcere-zaimings-innovative-antibody-drug-conjugate-3208932/
Simcere Zaiming builds exclusive partnership with Ipsen for Simcere Zaiming’s innovative antibody drug conjugate, 22 December 2025, https://en.simcere.com/news/detail.aspx?mtt=1555