Third Arc Bio picks lead candidate in amended Adagene collaboration

Adagene Inc. (Nasdaq: ADAG) announced that Third Arc Bio, Inc. has selected its first lead candidate under an amended strategic licensing agreement between the two companies, according to a press release dated Sept. 10, 2026.

The original agreement, established in November 2025, allows Third Arc Bio to use Adagene's NEObody and SAFEbody technology platforms to develop masked CD3 T cell engagers targeting tumor-associated antigens.

Under the amended terms, the collaboration has been broadened. Third Arc Bio will sponsor and fund the clinical development of the selected program. In recognition of the expanded scope, the total potential payments to Adagene, including development and commercial-based milestones, have increased. Specific financial terms were not disclosed.

Adagene retains a no-cost option to develop and commercialize candidate molecules in Greater China, Singapore, and South Korea.

"We are pleased with the progress of this collaboration and the first lead selection," said Peter Lebowitz, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Third Arc Bio.

Peter Luo, Ph.D., Chairman, President of R&D and Chief Executive Officer of Adagene, said the company is "proud to deepen our partnership with Third Arc Bio, a world class team with a track record of bringing innovative medicines including T cell engagers from discovery to commercialization for patients globally."

Adagene is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in San Diego and Suzhou, China. Its lead clinical program, muzastotug, is a masked anti-CTLA-4 SAFEbody with FDA Fast Track designation currently in Phase 1b/2 and Phase 2 clinical studies.

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