SHANGHAI, June 23, 2026
Abbisko Therapeutics Co., Ltd. announced a strategic research collaboration and license agreement with Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) to accelerate the discovery and development of innovative medicines across multiple therapeutic targets. The expanded partnership combines Abbisko’s early-stage drug discovery capabilities with Lilly’s global research, development, and commercialization expertise to advance novel drug candidates with worldwide potential. Under the agreement, Abbisko will lead drug discovery and early-stage development for selected disease targets identified by Lilly, while the global pharmaceutical company will leverage its extensive clinical development and commercialization capabilities to progress successful candidates. The collaboration represents a significant expansion of the companies’ existing relationship and reflects their shared commitment to delivering innovative therapies for patients with unmet medical needs around the world.
Agreement Includes Up to $1.9 Billion in Potential Milestone Payments
Under the financial terms of the agreement, Abbisko Therapeutics will receive an upfront payment and will be eligible to earn development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments totaling up to approximately US$1.9 billion. In addition to milestone payments, the company may also receive tiered royalties based on annual net sales of products successfully commercialized through the collaboration. The agreement highlights the growing value of early-stage biotechnology innovation, where specialized discovery companies partner with established global pharmaceutical organizations to accelerate drug development while sharing development risks and commercialization opportunities. The collaboration also demonstrates continued confidence in Abbisko’s proprietary discovery platform, research expertise, and ability to generate promising therapeutic candidates capable of advancing into global clinical development programs.
Partnership Builds on Successful 2022 Collaboration
The new agreement further strengthens a relationship that began in 2022, when Abbisko Therapeutics and Lilly entered into a global collaboration and exclusive licensing agreement focused on the discovery, development, and potential commercialization of a novel small-molecule therapy. Since its founding in 2016, Abbisko has established a strong pipeline of innovative drug candidates targeting precision oncology and immuno-oncology, supported by an experienced leadership team with extensive pharmaceutical research and development expertise. Through continuous investment in its drug discovery platform and scientific capabilities, the company has expanded its global partnership network while advancing multiple internally discovered programs designed to address significant unmet medical needs in oncology and other therapeutic areas.
Advertisement
Expanded Alliance Strengthens Abbisko’s Global Growth Strategy
The latest collaboration reinforces Abbisko Therapeutics’ long-term strategy of building global partnerships that accelerate scientific innovation while expanding its international presence in the competitive biopharmaceutical industry. By combining Abbisko’s innovative research ecosystem with Lilly’s global development and commercialization infrastructure, the companies aim to accelerate the progression of multiple high-value therapeutic programs from early discovery through potential regulatory approval and commercialization. The agreement also strengthens Abbisko’s position as a preferred discovery partner for multinational pharmaceutical companies seeking innovative science from emerging biotechnology organizations. As demand continues to grow for novel targeted therapies, the expanded collaboration has the potential to generate multiple first-in-class or best-in-class medicines while creating significant long-term value for both companies and delivering new treatment options for patients worldwide.
Source: Abbisko Therapeutics press release
