USPTO has granted US Patent 12577313B2, titled 'Anti-claudin 18.2 and anti-4-1BB bispecific antibodies and uses thereof,' to I-Mab Biopharma US Limited. The patent, effective March 17, 2026, covers bispecific and multi-specific antibodies designed to target both claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2) and 4-1BB. These antibodies are engineered to activate 4-1BB signaling specifically in the presence of CLDN18.2-expressing tumor cells, thereby eliciting a potent immune response against these tumors.

This patent grant signifies the protection of novel therapeutic intellectual property for I-Mab Biopharma. While not imposing direct compliance obligations on other entities, it establishes exclusivity for the patented technology. Companies operating in the oncology or immunotherapy space, particularly those developing bispecific antibodies or targeting CLDN18.2 or 4-1BB, should be aware of this patent to avoid potential infringement and to inform their own R&D strategies and freedom-to-operate analyses.