Strategic collaboration for novel antibody development At the 2026 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, Shanghai Henlius Biotech announced an exclusive global license agreement with U-mab Biopharma. Under this deal, Henlius acquired the rights to a potential best-in-class monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting the Interleukin-1 Receptor Accessory Protein (IL-1RAP). This move is a core component of the company’s “Globalization 2.0″ strategy, marking a diversification from its oncology expertise into inflammatory and autoimmune diseases with high unmet medical needs.
Multi-pathway inhibitory mechanism of IL-1RAP The anti-IL-1RAP mAb is recognized as a promising therapy due to its ability to intervene early in the inflammatory cascade:
-
Multi-pathway inhibition: Unlike current therapies that target individual downstream cytokines, blocking IL-1RAP simultaneously disrupts signaling from IL-1, IL-33, and IL-36. This allows for a more comprehensive regulation of inflammation at its source.
-
Long-acting efficacy: Preliminary animal studies indicate an extended half-life, supporting a less frequent dosing regimen, which significantly enhances patient compliance.
-
Market leadership potential: As of early 2026, no IL-1RAP-targeting therapies have received regulatory approval globally, positioning this asset as a potential frontrunner in the field.
Long-term development orientation This agreement strengthens Henlius’ existing ecosystem for treating conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.