ABTis, a subsidiary of Dong-A ST, has teamed up with WuXi XDC, WuXi Biologics’ CRDMO unit, to advance next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
The deal will see WuXi XDC integrate ABTis’ AbClick platform—a third-generation linker conjugation technology—into its chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) pipeline to streamline ADC production and shorten development timelines.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
Executives from ABTis and WuXi XDC mark their collaboration on next-generation ADC development. (Courtesy of ABTis)
“This collaboration with ABTis underscores our commitment to driving innovation through strategic partnerships and delivering meaningful value to our clients,” WuXi XDC CEO Jimmy Li said.
The companies plan to provide integrated ADC development services from preclinical candidate selection through clinical development, leveraging WuXi’s global manufacturing network.
Since spinning off from WuXi Bio and WuXi STA in 2023 and launching an IPO, WuXi XDC has rapidly expanded its ADC and bioconjugate partnerships.
In January last year, it teamed up with Korea’s IntoCell for access to the biotech’s ortho-hydroxy-protected aryl sulfate (OHPAS) linker and Nexatecan, a camptothecin-based drug class. That same month, it partnered with Celltrion to develop and manufacture bioconjugates, including ADCs.
More recently, it expanded its 2021 agreement with korean biotech LigaChem Biosciences, moving beyond clinical sample production to joint R&D on next-generation ADCs.