Industry insights, April 2025

Collaborations and partnerships

Partnership between WuXi and AbTis to advance next-generation ADC therapeutics with novel conjugation technologies [1]WuXi XDC. WuXi XDC and AbTis announce strategic partnership to advance next-generation ADCs. Mar 11, 2025. 

On March 11, 2025 WuXi XDC, a global leader in CDMO for ADCs and XDC bioconjugates, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AbTis, a South Korean biotechnology company specializing in ADCs. This partnership combines AbTis’ proprietary AbClick^® site-selective conjugation platform with WuXi XDC’s integrated discovery, development, and manufacturing services to accelerate innovation in ADC therapeutics.

WuXi XDC will integrate AbClick, which employs affinity peptide-assisted linkers for precise and efficient antibody-drug conjugation, into its service offerings. Additionally, WuXi XDC will connect AbTis with its extensive global client network, expanding opportunities for collaboration and market growth. Both companies aim to enhance bioconjugate drug development, streamline CMC processes, and support clients in advancing next-generation ADC therapies.

GV20 Therapeutics and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation partner to develop first-in-class ADC using AI-driven antibody discovery [2]FirstWorld PHARMA. GV20 Therapeutics announces collaboration agreement with Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation to develop novel antibody-drug conjugates. Mar 26, 2025. 

GV20 Therapeutics (GV20), a clinical-stage AI-driven biotherapeutics company, has entered a strategic research collaboration with Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation (MTPC) as of March 2025. MTPC will utilize GV20’s proprietary antibodies, targeting novel tumor antigens identified through its STEAD AI platform, to develop potentially first-in-class ADCs. This partnership with utilize MTPC’s expertise in linker-payload technology and drug-development.

Under the agreement, GV20 will receive an upfront payment and is eligible for milestone payments. MTPC gains exclusive negotiation rights for licensing these antibodies during the collaboration period.

Frazier Life Sciences launches Callio Therapeutics with $187M in partnership with Hummingbird Bioscience to develop dual-payload ADCs [3]Hummingbird Bioscience. Callio Therapeutics launches with US$187 million Series A to advance multi-payload antibody-drug conjugate platform through clinical proof-of-concept. Mar 3, 2025.

Frazier Life Sciences launched Callio Therapeutics with $187 million in Series A funding to develop clinical data for a HER2-targeted, dual-payload ADC in an undisclosed cancer. The biotech is also working on a second ADC program, though details are not yet available. The financing round was supported by Jeito Capital, Novo Holdings A/S, Omega Funds, ClavystBio, Platanus, Norwest, Pureos Bioventures, SEEDS Capital, and EDBI.

Callio is led by Piers Ingram, CEO of Hummingbird Bioscience. The company has secured a global licensing deal to utilize Hummingbird’s multi-payload ADC technology for oncology and other pipeline assets, in exchange for equity, potential milestones, and royalties.

Market trends

WuXi XDC reports strong growth, big pharma partnering success, and capacity expansion plans [4]WuXi XDC. WuXi XDC achieved another remarkable year with extraordinary business performance and financial results for 2024. Mar 24, 2025. 

WuXi XDC, a leading contractor, reported strong growth, partnering with 13 of the top 20 global pharmaceutical companies by 2023 revenue on projects at various stages. Last year, the company completed 177 integrated ADC projects and 17 broader bioconjugate projects. WuXi XDC is expanding its business with planned capacity increases in 2025 and 2027, along with a new manufacturing site in Singapore set to open by the end of the year. This site will include manufacturing lines for monoclonal antibody intermediates, drug substances, and products, as well as quality control labs and warehouse space. Although the company did not provide formal guidance for the remainder of 2025, CEO Jimmy Li expressed confidence that WuXi XDC will continue to attract customers and grow its market share.

Research and development highlights

Avidity’s antibody-oligonucleotide conjugate, Del-zota, shows positive results in Duchenne muscular dystrophy [5]Avidity Biosciences. Avidity Biosciences announces positive topline del-zota data demonstrating consistent, statistically significant improvements in dystrophin, exon skipping and creatine kinase in people living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy amenable to exon 44 skipping in Phase 1/2 EXPLORE44^® trial. Mar 17, 2025. 

Avidity Biosciences announced positive data from the Phase 1/2 EXPLORE44^® trial of Del-zota, an antibody-oligonucleotide conjugate (AOC) for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) with exon 44 skipping (DMD44). The data demonstrated consistent, statistically significant improvements in dystrophin production, exon skipping, and creatine kinase levels, with favorable safety and tolerability across two dose cohorts. Del-zota significantly reduced serum creatine kinase levels to near normal after just three doses.

Del-zota targets the dystrophin gene using phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs) to enable near-full-length dystrophin production. It has received Orphan Drug and Rare Pediatric Disease designations from the FDA. Avidity plans to submit a Biologics License Application (BLA) for Del-zota by year-end, based on these results and safety data from the ongoing EXPLORE44 Open-Label Extension trial.

MD Anderson researchers develop novel antibody-toxin conjugate to stimulate immune-mediated tumor eradication [6]MD Anderson Cancer Center. MD Anderson researchers develop novel antibody-toxin conjugate. Feb 25, 2025. 

Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have developed a new antibody-toxin conjugate (ATC) aimed at stimulating immune-mediated tumor eradication. Unlike traditional ADCs, this ATC design triggers the immune system to attack tumors, potentially reducing side effects and preventing recurrence. It targets CD47, a protein that helps tumors evade immune detection, and delivers a bacterial toxin rather than chemotherapy. This prompts immune cells to engulf the tumor and release the toxin, activating tumor DNA and protein fragments which then help the immune system recognize and fight cancer more effectively.

In preclinical models of breast cancer and melanoma, this approach enhanced immune responses and provided long-lasting immunity, with T cells remaining active for up to two months. The team plans to expand this strategy to target other tumor-specific receptors, with clinical testing expected in the next 3-5 years.

Researchers at Mount Sinai develop blood-brain barrier-crossing conjugate for neurological disease treatment [7]Mount Sinai. Study reveals new way to unlock blood-brain barrier, potentially opening doors to treat brain and nerve disease. Nov 25, 2024. 

Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have developed a groundbreaking blood-brain barrier-crossing conjugate (BCC) system to deliver therapeutics into the brain, offering new treatment possibilities for neurological and psychiatric diseases. The BCC platform utilizes γ-secretase-mediated transcytosis to allow for the crossing of the BBB.

In preclinical studies, including mouse models and human brain tissue, the system successfully delivered large therapeutic molecules, such as oligonucleotides and proteins, directly into the brain through an intravenous injection. The BCC10 compound, linked to antisense oligonucleotides, reduced harmful gene activity in ALS and Alzheimer’s disease models by silencing disease-causing genes. The treatment was well tolerated in mice, causing minimal organ damage. Further studies in large animal models are planned to expand its therapeutic potential.

Clinical trials and research

OASIS project: a new European research program for enhancing ADCs [8]Gustave Roussy. OASIS, a new European research programme to optimise antibody-drug conjugates. Feb 6, 2025. 

The OASIS project is a European research initiative focused on advancing ADCs for cancer treatment, led by Dr Barbara Pistilli at Gustave Roussy. It aims to improve ADC selection for patients by adressing challenges such as resistance mechanisms and reducing toxic side effects.

OASIS addresses these challenges through multicentric clinical trials using advanced technologies, including nuclear medicine, digital pathology, liquid biopsies, and patient-derived organoids. Data collected will inform the development of a next-generation ADC to enhance efficacy and minimize resistance. A key outcome is the OASIS Score, an AI-based model combining clinical, biological, and radiological data to predict ADC effectiveness and toxicity, enabling more personalized treatment.

Launched in January 2025, OASIS unites 12 European partners and is funded by a €9.9 million Horizon Europe grant.

Conferences, events, and publications

Data from Heidelberg Pharma’s ADC technology platforms are to be presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2025 [9]Heidelberg Pharma. Heidelberg Pharma to present data from its ADC technology platforms at AACR Annual Meeting 2025. Mar 26, 2025. 

Heidelberg Pharma AG, a clinical-stage biotech company specializing in ADCs, will present its latest research on Exatecan-based ADC technology at the AACR Annual Meeting 2025 (Chicago, April 25-30).

Beyond its proprietary Amanitin-based ADCs, Heidelberg Pharma has developed an advanced ADC toolbox to overcome tumor resistance through multiple mechanisms, enabling targeted treatment across various cancer types.

Dr Sarah-Jane Neuberth will present preclinical findings on HDP-201, an Exatecan-based multimeric linker ADC (ETAC technology) for colorectal cancer. Results show strong target-specific potency, anti-tumor efficacy, and high tolerability.

Dr Pablo Ruedas Batuecas will highlight the role of computational modeling in optimizing NAMPT inhibitors (NAMPTi) as ADC payloads and as a mechanism of action. This novel approach could overcome current cancer therapy limitations by effectively targeting both dividing and non-dividing cancer cells.

Cantargia to present promising preclinical data on novel IL1RAP targeting ADC at AACR Annual Meeting 2025 [10]Cantargia. Cantargia presents promising preclinical results on a novel IL1RAP-targeting antibody-drug conjugate at AACR 2025. Mar 25, 2025. 

Cantargia will present preclinical data on IL1RAP-targeting ADCs at the AACR Annual Meeting (April 25-30, 2025). These ADCs leverage IL1RAP expression in tumor cells and the TME to deliver cytotoxic drugs directly to cancer cells.

Preclinical studies demonstrated strong anti-tumor efficacy, safety, and tolerability of IL1RAP-targeting ADCs across multiple cancer models. The selected IL1RAP-binding antibody, conjugated to a tubulin-targeting cytotoxic payload, maintained binding specificity and induced IL1RAP-dependent tumor cell killing while effectively suppressing tumor growth in animal models.

Developed in collaboration with ImmunoGen (now part of AbbVie), IL1RAP ADCs are designed to selectively target IL1RAP-expressing cells, minimizing harm to healthy tissues. Cantargia aims to optimize and advance this technology for broader cancer applications.

Summary

In March 2025, the ADCs field saw significant advancements and strategic collaborations aimed at enhancing cancer therapies. Notable partnerships included WuXi XDC’s collaboration with AbTis to integrate the AbClick conjugation platform for improved ADC development, and GV20 Therapeutics’ agreement with Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma to develop novel ADCs targeting new tumor antigens. Additionally, Callio Therapeutics launched with $187 million in funding, aiming to develop multi-payload ADCs and leveraging Hummingbird Bioscience’s technology.

In marketing trends, WuXi XDC reported strong performance in 2024 and announced the expansion of its operations and plans to build new manufacturing sites to support ADC production. In clinical advancements, Avidity Biosciences demonstrated positive results for its Del-zota ADC in treating DMD, while MD Anderson developed a new ATC that stimulates immune responses against tumors.

Meanwhile, the OASIS project in Europe is focused on optimizing ADCs for cancer treatment, addressing resistance and toxicity through advanced technologies like digital pathology and patient-derived organoids. These collaborations and innovations reflect a continued push toward more targeted, effective, and personalized therapies in the bioconjugation space.

References

1. WuXi XDC. WuXi XDC and AbTis announce strategic partnership to advance next-generation ADCs. Mar 11, 2025.

2. FirstWorld PHARMA. GV20 Therapeutics announces collaboration agreement with Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation to develop novel antibody-drug conjugates. Mar 26, 2025.

3. Hummingbird Bioscience. Callio Therapeutics launches with US$187 million Series A to advance multi-payload antibody-drug conjugate platform through clinical proof-of-concept. Mar 3, 2025.

4. WuXi XDC. WuXi XDC achieved another remarkable year with extraordinary business performance and financial results for 2024. Mar 24, 2025.

5. Avidity Biosciences. Avidity Biosciences announces positive topline del-zota data demonstrating consistent, statistically significant improvements in dystrophin, exon skipping and creatine kinase in people living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy amenable to exon 44 skipping in Phase 1/2 EXPLORE44^® trial. Mar 17, 2025.

6. MD Anderson Cancer Center. MD Anderson researchers develop novel antibody-toxin conjugate. Feb 25, 2025. 

7. Mount Sinai. Study reveals new way to unlock blood-brain barrier, potentially opening doors to treat brain and nerve disease. Nov 25, 2024. 

8. Gustave Roussy. OASIS, a new European research programme to optimise antibody-drug conjugates. Feb 6, 2025. 

9. Heidelberg Pharma. Heidelberg Pharma to present data from its ADC technology platforms at AACR Annual Meeting 2025. Mar 26, 2025.

10. Cantargia. Cantargia presents promising preclinical results on a novel IL1RAP-targeting antibody-drug conjugate at AACR 2025. Mar 25, 2025.

Affiliation

Lauren Coyle is Launch Commissioning Editor of Bioconjugation Insights

Authorship & Conflict of Interest 

Contributions: The named author takes responsibility for the integrity of the work as a whole, and has given his approval for this version to be published.

Acknowledgements: None.

Disclosure and potential conflicts of interest: The author has no conflicts of interest.

Funding declaration: The author received no financial support for the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.

Article & Copyright Information

Copyright: Published by Bioconjugation Insights under Creative Commons License Deed CC BY NC ND 4.0 which allows anyone to copy, distribute, and transmit the article provided it is properly attributed in the manner specified below. No commercial use without permission.

Attribution: Copyright © 2025 Lauren Coyle. Published by Bioconjugation Insights under Creative Commons License Deed CC BY NC ND 4.0.

Article source: Lauren Coyle is Launch Commissioning Editor of Bioconjugation Insights

Revised manuscript received: Apr 4, 2022

Publication date: Apr 28, 2025