Biogen Acquires Felzartamab Rights in Greater China from TJ Biopharma

The deal expands Biogen's global development and commercialization of the CD38-directed antibody for immune-mediated conditions.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 12:05pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph showing a polished glass vial filled with a glowing blue liquid, symbolizing an innovative biopharmaceutical asset, floating elegantly on a clean, monochromatic grey background with dramatic studio lighting and deep shadows.Biogen's acquisition of exclusive global rights to the promising CD38-directed antibody felzartamab strengthens its position in the key Chinese market for immune-mediated diseases.Cambridge Today

Biogen Inc. and TJ Biopharma announced that Biogen has agreed to acquire TJ Bio's exclusive rights to felzartamab in the Greater China Region. With this agreement, Biogen now owns exclusive worldwide rights to felzartamab, which is currently being evaluated in global Phase 3 clinical studies across multiple immune-mediated diseases.

Why it matters

Advancing felzartamab in the Greater China Region presents an important opportunity in a key global market, as China is believed to have one of the largest patient populations globally for both IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and primary membranous nephropathy (PMN), two of the target indications for the drug.

The details

Under the terms of the agreement, TJ Bio will receive a $100 million upfront payment and is eligible to receive up to $750 million in potential commercial and sales milestone payments. Biogen will assume responsibilities for milestone payment and royalty obligations under the prior MorphoSys licensing agreement. The companies have also collaborated on Biogen-sponsored Phase 3 trials evaluating felzartamab in IgAN and PMN in China since April 2025.

  • In April 2025, TJ Bio joined two Biogen-sponsored Phase 3 International Multi-Center Trials (IMCT) evaluating felzartamab in IgAN and PMN in China.
  • A Biologics License Application (BLA) for felzartamab for the treatment of multiple myeloma, submitted by TJ Bio in December 2024, is currently under review by China's National Medical Products Administration.

The players

Biogen Inc.

A leading biotechnology company that pioneers innovative science to deliver new medicines and transform patients' lives.

TJ Biopharma

A fully integrated biotech company advancing next-generation therapies in autoimmune diseases, immuno-oncology and metabolic disorders.

Felzartamab

An investigational therapeutic human monoclonal antibody directed against CD38, a protein expressed on plasma cells, plasmablasts, and natural killer cells.

Fraser Hall

President of Biogen's Intercontinental Region.

Dr. Lili Qian

General Manager of TJ Biopharma.

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What they’re saying

“This deal is important to Biogen as it further expands the global opportunity for felzartamab, a potential pipeline-in-a-product with broad applicability across a range of immune-mediated conditions.”

— Fraser Hall, President of Biogen's Intercontinental Region

“With Biogen's strong global capabilities and a proven track record of commercial success in the region, we are confident that they are the right partner to progress felzartamab in this important market.”

— Dr. Lili Qian, General Manager of TJ Biopharma

What’s next

Biogen will continue to lead development of the immunology indications and will now also lead manufacturing and commercial efforts for felzartamab in the Greater China Region.

The takeaway

This transaction allows Biogen to consolidate global rights to felzartamab, a promising antibody with potential across a range of immune-mediated conditions, and strengthens the company's position in the key Chinese market where the drug could address significant unmet needs for patients with IgAN and PMN.