Lotte Biologics announced on the 11th that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for cooperation on next-generation antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology with Aptis, a subsidiary of Dong-A ST.
ADC is a therapeutic technology that precisely delivers drugs only to cancer cells by attaching drugs to antibodies. The key technologies are the antibody, the payload (drug), and the linker (consolidation technology) that connects the two. To produce ADC, it is necessary to perform antibody and linker-payload conjugation, purification of the target substance, and formulation development of the ADC material. Through this agreement, the two companies plan to jointly market by linking Aptis' third-generation linker technology 'AbClick' platform with Lotte Biologics' conjugation production services at its Syracuse production facility.
They will also collaborate to expand the scope of Lotte Biologics' ADC toolbox. The ADC toolbox is a library that compiles Lotte Biologics' ADC-related technologies, including linkers and payloads. To build the ADC toolbox, the two companies will also conduct a preliminary feasibility study on the AbClick technology at the Syracuse facility.
'AbClick' is a technology that allows drugs to be precisely attached to specific sites on antibodies. Unlike existing methods, antibodies do not need to be intentionally modified, and drugs consistently bind in the same position and ratio, which helps produce therapeutic agents with uniform quality stably.
Lotte Biologics offers an ADC toolbox service that allows selective use of various technologies according to customer demands, along with the 'SoluFlex Link' technology. SoluFlex is an ADC platform based on linker technology co-developed by Lotte Biologics and Kanaph Therapeutics. The company's goal is to provide a one-stop service solution not only for ADC development but also for manufacturing, clinical trials, and commercial antibody production.
James Park, CEO of Lotte Biologics, said, 'Through this agreement, we will become a corporation that not only develops differentiated ADC therapeutics but ultimately contributes to improving the quality of life for patients.' Hantaedong, CEO of Aptis, noted, 'I look forward to the agreement with Lotte Biologics, which has entered the ADC field based on its long-standing expertise in antibody production.'