Henlius Biotech signs $440 million deal with Amberstone to develop T-cell engagers

Henlius Biotech, a subsidiary of Fosun Pharma, announced a licensing agreement with California‑based Amberstone Biosciences valued at up to $440 million. The partnership will focus on creating antibody‑based T‑cell engagers (TCEs) for cancer treatment.

Amberstone will use its T‑Mate platform to generate preclinical TCE candidates against up to two targets chosen by Henlius. The platform is designed to reduce cytokine release syndrome by employing an acidity‑sensitive switching mechanism that limits T‑cell activation in healthy tissue.

Once Amberstone delivers the preclinical candidates, Henlius will assume responsibility for further development and potential commercialization. In return, Amberstone will receive an upfront payment and may earn additional milestones tied to development, regulatory approval, and sales, as well as a share of future royalties.

TCEs are already approved for several blood cancers, and some are being explored for solid tumors such as small cell lung cancer. The new collaboration aims to expand the pipeline of safer, effective TCE therapies for solid tumor indications.