KISHORE HOTHA
Global Vice President, AR&D Operations, Veranova

Abstract

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have long been described as a promising component of the industry’s oncology toolkit. The specificity of ADCs has allowed them to meet the growing demand for targeted, safer treatment options for cancer patients. However, their complex nature has led to some challenges when approaching the development and manufacturing of ADCs. This article discusses some of the main ways in which ADC safety and efficacy can be maximized, and highlights the importance of choosing the right CDMO partner during the development process.

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have long been described as a promising component of the pharmaceutical industry’s oncology toolkit. Due to their exact nature, ADCs meet the growing demand for efficacious therapies that provide targeted and safer treatment options for cancer patients. However, even with a growing number of ADCs in the pipeline, the full promise of ADCs has yet to be fully realized.

Easy as ADC?
ADCs comprise three major components: a small molecule payload, a linker, and an antibody (see Figure 1). While this seems straightforward as a concept, in practice, designing, developing, and manufacturing ADCs is a complex and multi-faceted undertaking.

Each of the components in an ADC adds a layer of complexity. To ensure developmental success, pharma teams must safely handle the payload’s highly potent nature. Experts must apply their biopharmaceutical and analytical expertise to develop and purify monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), utilizing proper cell culture techniques and complex conjugation chemistry know-how.

The complexities don’t stop there. The field of ADCs is rap ...