Belgian biotech Ablynx has secured AbbVie as a partner for ALX-0061, its Nanobody® targeting the interleukin-6 receptor, in a deal potentially worth up to US$840 M, including US$175 M upfront. Ablynx will complete Phase II development of the drug in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, with AbbVie assuming responsibility for subsequent development and commercialisation if predefined success criteria are achieved. In the same week, Ablynx partnered with Merck Serono for a fourth time with a broad research alliance spanning multiple therapy areas.