On November 2, 2020 ABL Bio and LegoChem Biociences have reported the signing of a memorandum of understanding(MOU) to expand their partnership on ADC technology (Press release, ABL Bio, NOV 2, 2020, View Source [SID1234628153]). The agreement draws attention as it comes shortly after ABL202(LCB71), an ADC co-developed by the two companies, was licensed out to CStone Pharmaceuticals

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Under the agreement, the two companies will cooperate on two additional projects, totaling their joint projects to four. While their previous focus was on treatments that combine monoclonal antibodies with LCB’s platform technology, such as ABL202(LCB71), their new projects will center on bispecific antibody ADCs that global pharmaceutical companies are increasingly viewing as a promising sector

This new agreement by ABL Bio and LCB reflect the growing interest in ADC technology. Gilead Sciences recently announced its decision to acquire Immunomedics for approximately $21 billion, at $88 per share in cash. MSD signed a $1.6 billion deal with Seattle Genetics on two new oncology projects. AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo also entered collaboration for the global development and commercialization of another ADC

ABL Bio has the knowledge and proven experience of bispecific antibodies, having acquired a set of bispecific antibody platforms. Combining the company’s BsAb specialty with LCB’s linker and ConjuAllTM Site-specific conjugation technology is anticipated to create a synergy effect in developing next-generation ADCs

Yong-Zu Kim, CEO of LCB said ""Four years of joint research have allowed ABL Bio and LegoChem Biosciences to understand each other’s strengths and build trust. Our long-standing relationship will lead to a much more accelerated and efficient research collaboration

Sang Hoon Lee, CEO of ABL Bio said "We are happy to announce our two companies’ expanded cooperation in ADC technology. On the backdrop of the recent success of achieving a licensing deal for ABL202, ABL Bio and LCB will work closely together to continue this momentum."