34TWENTYFOURSEVENBIOPHARMA Issue 3 / October 2025 VERANOVA Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a rapidly developing therapeutic modality within the pharmaceutical industry. This article will explore approaches to unlocking the potential of these molecules, including how CDMOs can leverage technical expertise to develop ADCs with confidence. ADCs: A fast-growing therapeutic area Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are an innovative, emerging therapy area. Primarily used in oncology, ADCs are comprised of a monoclonal antibody, a cytotoxic drug payload, and a chemical linker. The action of an ADC depends upon the qualities of each of these components. By combining the specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the potency of cytotoxic small molecules, ADCs facilitate stronger clinical responses and fewer systemic side effects for patients. With the global ADC market predicted to reach USD 24.01 billion by 2030, the race is on for developers.1 Currently, around 13 ADCs are commercially available, and numerous formats are further being explored.2 However, despite significant breakthroughs in ADC development, challenges remain. The development process for ADCs is notoriously complex. With every reagent, process step and technology transfer step having the potential to introduce impurities or shift critical quality attributes (CQAs), developing a robust methodology is essential. Figure 1. Chemical structure of an ADC (Figure reference adapted from www.biooncology.com).
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