Antibody Drug Conjugates

Antibody-drug conjugates or ADCs are targeted therapies that are designed to treat cancer by killing tumor cells while sparing healthy cells. ADCs are complex molecules composed of an antibody linked to a biologically active cytotoxic payload. The antibody is selected to bind to a specific antigen or protein expressed by tumor cells with markedly less expression on normal healthy cells. After binding to the cancer cell, the antibody is pulled into the cell along with the linked payload. The linker is then cleaved by enzymes or other conditions specific to the cellular environment, releasing the payload to kill the cancer cell. The goal of this approach is to limit damage to normal tissues, leading to limited side effects for cancer patients and a wider therapeutic window than systemic chemotherapy.

While interest in ADCs has increased rapidly in recent years, much of the activity centers on a handful of targets. As of late 2024, 55% of clinical-stage ADC programs pursue just 10 targets. We believe that pursuing novel or underexplored targets provides a better path to addressing unmet patient need.

Successful ADCs require the right combination of target, antibody, linker, and payload. Members of our team pioneered this therapeutic space, contributing to the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of many ADCs used in cancer treatment today. By focusing on designing ADCs to match the biology of rigorously validated novel targets, we strive to bring the power of ADCs to a larger set of patients with significant unmet need.